Hierarchical structure of selected behaviors of dietitians on the job

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.