An Alternative Strategy for Selecting a Graduate Program: Comments on Dixon et al. (2015)

Abstract

While the rankings based upon frequencies of publication, supplied by Dixon et al. (2015), identify individuals and programs worthy of prospective students’ attention, I have focused upon other criteria when mentoring students who are deciding where to apply for graduate study. Those criteria concern the student’s particular interests, and questions concerning what it is like to work with a given mentor or within a given program. Besides perusals of web sites and queries directed to prospective mentors, students already working with that mentor can provide valuable information. Provision for hands-on training in the application of behavioral principles is essential to a high-quality program, and availability of conceptually oriented courses and of a supportive verbal community are additional considerations, especially if a mentor is not frequently available for informal conversation. As alternatives, the Behavior Analysis Certification Board’s credential has the limitations of any multiple-choice examination as an evaluation of hands-on competence, and the accreditation of programs by the Association for Behavior Analysis International omits many mentorships that have trained outstanding behavior analysts via “apprenticeships” within programs that are not primarily behavior analytic.