The Emperor Just Might Be Wearing Pants.

Area of Science:

• Behavior Analysis
• Psychology
• Education

Background:

• The article critiques Dixon et al.'s (2015) research rankings of behavior analytic graduate training programs.
• Concerns are raised regarding the restricted range of the metric used to assess faculty productivity and research knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To question the validity of current research rankings for behavior analytic graduate programs.
• To propose broadening the metrics used for evaluating faculty research productivity.
• To encourage a comprehensive discussion on graduate training program assessment.

Main Methods:

• Commentary and critique of existing research ranking methodologies.
• Analysis of the limitations of narrow metrics in assessing faculty research.
• Development of suggestions for expanding evaluation criteria.

Main Results:

• The current metric's restricted range significantly limits the implications that can be drawn from the data.
• The methodology used by Dixon et al. (2015) may not accurately represent faculty research contributions.
• Broadening the metric is essential for a more accurate assessment.

Conclusions:

• The current approach to ranking behavior analytic graduate programs is flawed due to a narrow metric.
• Expanding the assessment criteria is crucial for a more robust evaluation of faculty and programs.
• Continued dialogue is needed to address the evolving landscape of graduate training in behavior analysis.