Date of Submission

2016

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

Department

Psychology

Department Chair

Robert A DiTomasso, PhD, ABPP, Chair, Department of Psychology

First Advisor

Jessica Glass Kendorski, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D, Chairperson

Second Advisor

Virginia Burks Salzer, PhD

Third Advisor

Frank DeMatteo, EdD, NCSP

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine acceptability and usage among elementary school (kindergarten through sixth grade) teachers of a positive behavioral intervention described in jargon terms and in nonjargon terms during the process of behavioral consultation, as measured by the Usage Rating Profile – Intervention Revised (URP–IR). Specifically, the study evaluated whether elementary school teachers’ acceptability and usage ratings differed on a positive behavioral intervention described in jargon versus nonjargon terms. In addition, this study assessed whether differences in acceptability and usage existed when considering type of classroom (i.e., general education, special education, or specialized [e.g., art, gym, music] education). One hundred one elementary school teachers participated in the study. Results indicated that there was no statistically significant difference between acceptability and usage of a positive behavioral intervention when described in either jargon or nonjargon terms. Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference when examining the type of classroom and acceptability and usage of the positive behavioral intervention when described in jargon or nonjargon terminology. These findings are congruent with previous research that found no difference in acceptability between jargon and nonjargon descriptions. The results have important implications for interaction with teachers and the use of jargon during the process of behavioral consultation.

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