Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Hardin, James W.

Committee Member

Tribble, Anna G.

Committee Member

Osterholtz, Anna J.

Date of Degree

12-13-2024

Original embargo terms

Worldwide

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Applied Anthropology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (M.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Anthropology and Middle Eastern Cultures

Abstract

This thesis analyzes how prospective Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) professionals are enculturated through their educational pathways at one public university in Mississippi. I surveyed 24 current and prior students of the ABA program, as well as interviewed 1 prior and 10 current ABA students. Findings captured their perceptions of the field they are entering, through their experiences within the program. Results found that the ABA field appears to be split in a dual identity, existing in both educational and clinical spaces. Results showed that external perceptions of the institution viewed the ABA program as more clinical, while the students were preoccupied with the educational applications. The implications of these findings suggest that the ABA field’s role and circumstances are variable, given that they are outsourced as consultants to provide a medical service to an educational setting. Thus, students could benefit from more explicit cultural norms and setting-tailored practicum preparation.

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