A factor-analytic study of criteria for evaluating student clinicians in speech pathology

This study was designed to determine the most significant criteria used in university training programs to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of student clinicians enrolled in clinical practicum. A total of 152 supervisors in 53 ASHA accredited training programs used 40 criteria to evaluate 207 clinicians engaged in speech and language therapy. Factor analysis yielded two distinct dimensions, Technical Skills and Interpersonal Relationship Factors, and indicated that 18 variables contributed most significantly to the evaluative process. Student clinicians were consistently rated higher on variables related to the interpersonal dimension than on those related to technical skills. The identification and structure of the 18 variables suggests that both technical and interpersonal skills are widely regarded as essential to therapeutic effectiveness. The results provide insight into the nature of clinical evaluation and behavior and suggest a restructuring of criteria for evaluating the process of therapeutic treatment.