Exam 9: Assessing Behavior

Correct Answer:

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Informal observation of behavior involves the unstructured and naturalistic observation of an individual's behavior in their everyday environment. Three characteristics of informal observation of behavior include:

1. Flexibility: Informal observation allows for flexibility in the timing and location of the observation. It can be conducted in various settings and at different times to capture a wide range of behaviors.

2. Naturalistic: This type of observation allows for the natural behavior of the individual to be observed without any artificial manipulation or interference. It provides a more authentic representation of the individual's behavior.

3. Subjective: Informal observation is often subjective, as it relies on the observer's interpretation of the behavior. This can lead to potential biases in the observation process.

The process of anecdotal recording involves the following steps:

1. Selecting the behavior to be observed: The observer identifies the specific behavior or behaviors they want to observe and record.

2. Observing and recording: The observer then observes the individual's behavior and records detailed descriptions of the behavior, including the context, antecedents, and consequences.

3. Analyzing and interpreting: After the observation, the observer analyzes and interprets the recorded anecdotes to identify patterns and trends in the individual's behavior.

Advantages of informal observation and anecdotal recording include:

1. Advantages of informal observation:
- It provides a naturalistic view of behavior.
- It allows for flexibility in the observation process.

Disadvantages of informal observation:
- It can be subjective and prone to bias.
- It may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the individual's behavior.

2. Advantages of anecdotal recording:
- It allows for detailed and specific documentation of behavior.
- It can capture the context and triggers of the behavior.

Disadvantages of anecdotal recording:
- It may be time-consuming to record and analyze anecdotes.
- It may not capture all relevant behaviors or contexts.

In conclusion, informal observation and anecdotal recording are valuable assessment methods that provide insights into an individual's behavior. However, they also have limitations that should be considered when using them for assessment purposes.