title: Hierarchical structure of selected behaviors of dietitians on the job.
abstract: The rationale for learning sequences and hierarchies is presented and briefly discussed. Two methods for identifying hierarchies--Guttman scalogram analysis and ordering theory analysis--are described and demonstrated, using seven items from the Dietitians' Behaviorating Scales, a performance appraisal instrument for dietitians. Scalogram analysis indicated that the seven items did not constitute a linear cumulative scale (CR = 0.75). Ordering theory analysis showed that the seven items constitute a complex branched hierarchy, which is graphically presented. Implications for dietetic education are discussed.
mesh_terms: D001519:Behavior; D004046:Dietetics / Q000193:education*; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D011361:Professional Competence; D014481:United States