Document Type

Dissertation

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

PhD in Behavior Analysis

Dissertation Defense Date

2025-05-14

First Committee Member

Thompson, Rachel H

Second Committee Member

Karsina, Allen

Third Committee Member

Dickson, Chata

Additional Committee Member(s)

Carlson Outhouse, Jessica

Abstract

The Performance Diagnostic Checklist – Human Services (PDC-HS) is an assessment tool used to identify factors influencing employee performance in human service settings. Although prior research supports its effectiveness in identifying performance barriers, little is known about the accuracy of the intervention selection process. This study examined the accuracy with which participants scored the PDC-HS and selected appropriate interventions. In Study 1, 23 participants watched video vignettes of mock PDC-HS interviews, completed the assessment, and identified indicated domains and interventions. Scoring accuracy was consistent with prior research, but intervention selection accuracy was highly variable, with most errors occurring in the final selection phase. Given these findings, Study 2 focused solely on intervention selection, comparing the decisions of 40 Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) and direct therapists (DTs). Participants were provided with completed PDC-HS forms created based on published studies and were asked to complete the intervention planning portion. BCBAs were more likely to select interventions aligned with effective interventions from the published studies, and 60% of selection responses were unaligned with the literature. These findings highlight the need for clearer guidelines and training in the intervention selection process when using the PDC-HS.

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