Deck 12: Informal Assessment: Observation, Rating Scales, Classification Methods, Environmental Assessments, Records and Personal Documents, and Performance-Based Assessment

Question 1

After sharing information about one's family in a graduate class on family systems, the instructor asks each student to write down on a piece of paper the student with whom they most identify. The instructor then maps out the responses on the board. The instructor is using which of the following techniques?

A) A rating scale
B) An observational technique
C) A behavior checklist
D) A feeling word checklist
E) A sociometric technique

Answer 1

A sociometric technique

Question 2

This kind of rating scale provides a written statement that can be rated from high to low on a number line.

A) Semantic differential
B) Rank order
C) Numerical
D) Likert-type scale (graphic scale)

Answer 2

Numerical

Question 3

This kind of rating scale provides a statement followed by one ore more pairs of words that reflect opposing traits.

A) Semantic differential
B) Rank order
C) Numerical
D) Likert-type scale (graphic scale)

Answer 3

Semantic differential

Question 4

As part of a graduate school program's comprehensive exam, they ask each student to do a role play with a coached client. Each student is asked to "do your best job at counseling the client." At the end of the role-play, the students are evaluated on a series of statements that uses a number line and statements that range from strongly disagree to strongly agree on factors such as use of empathic responses, paraphrasing, attentive listening, etc. Which rating scale is being used?

A) Numerical
B) Likert-type scale (graphic scale)
C) Semantic differential
D) Rank order
E) None of these

Question 5

Environmental assessments have a distinct advantage in that they:

A) minimize distractions by using a laboratory or clinical setting.
B) often present a less distorted view of the client.
C) allow for the measurement of toxins or other allergy forming molecules.
D) keep the examinee comfortable by maintaining a consistent temperature range.
E) None of these are advantages of environmental assessments.

Question 6

This kind of rating scale contains a number of items that are being rated on the same theme and are anchored by both numbers and a statement that corresponds to the numbers.

A) Semantic differential
B) Rank order
C) Numerical
D) Likert-type scale (graphic scale)

Question 7

The halo effect is:

A) when observational methods and ratings scales will likely not be an effective tool to use due to the vague nature of the attribute being observed.
B) when the overall impression of an individual clouds the rating of that person in one select area.
C) when the individual doing the rating identifies with the person being rated and thus rates the individual inaccurately.
D) when an individual is being too nice in his or her ratings of another.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a strength of informal assessment techniques?

A) They add to the total assessment process and increase our ability to better understand the whole person.
B) They can be created so they assess the exact attribute we are attempting to measure.
C) The can often be developed or gathered in a rather short amount of time.
D) They are generally free or low cost procedures.
E) They are generally highly valid and reliable.

Question 9

You are interested in exploring empathic responses of a specific counselor trainee. You therefore view all of this trainee's counseling sessions with a client and rate the counselor's responses. This is an example of:

A) a sociometric measure.
B) an event sampling.
C) a time sampling.
D) semantic ratings.

Question 10

During a role play between students and faculty in which the student acts as a counselor, other faculty look on and the audience faculty later make a hierarchical list of students from "best to worst" based on how they responded in the role-play. Which technique is being employed?

A) A rating scale
B) A rank order
C) A behavior checklist
D) A sociometric technique
E) Records and personal documents

Question 11

Classification methods such as feeling word checklists and behavior checklists are unique in that they:

A) order preferences or order personality traits.
B) rate the degree to which a client agrees with a trait.
C) provide a narrative description of an attribute.
D) classifies attributes as all or nothing.

Question 12

Observation can be completed:

A) by an examiner.
B) by the client.
C) by a professional (e.g., teacher or counselor).
D) by someone close to the client (e.g., parent).
E) All of these can complete observation.

Question 13

On a school counselor's personnel file, it is noted that a student tends to be consistently late to work. This is an example of a(n):

A) rating scale.
B) anecdotal record.
C) time sampling.
D) event sampling.
E) biographical data inventory.

Question 14

A type of observation in which a specific attribute is observed without regard for time is called (e.g., acting out behavior in a classroom):

A) a naturalistic sample.
B) an event sample.
C) an enmeshed sample.
D) a spontaneous sample.
E) an open-ended sample.

Question 15

A type of observation in which an individual is observed for a predetermined amount of time is called (e.g., 10 minutes observing a classroom, three times during the day):

A) a non-intrusive sample.
B) a controlled sample.
C) a disengaged sample.
D) a time sample.
E) a focused sample.

Question 16

This kind of rating scale provides a series of statements the respondent can categorize and arrange from high to low based on his or her preferences.

A) Semantic differential
B) Rank order
C) Numerical
D) Likert-type scale (graphic scale)

Question 17

According to the text, two types of observation are:

A) non-intrusive and naturalistic observation.
B) event and time sampling.
C) enmeshed and disengaged observation.
D) controlled and spontaneous observation.
E) focused and open-ended observation.

Question 18

In applying for graduate school, a doctoral program asks potential students to role-play a counselor with a faculty member. The faculty member role-plays the same client with each potential doctoral student. Which technique is being employed?

A) A rating scale
B) A behavior checklist
C) A sociometric technique
D) A situational test
E) Records and personal documents

Question 19

Because we tend to identify with the individuals we are rating, we sometimes rate them higher than we actually believe them to be. This concept is called:

A) generosity error.
B) interrater reliability.
C) criterion referenced rating.
D) the halo effect.

Question 20

Generosity error is:

A) when the individual doing the rating identifies with the person being rated and thus rates the individual inaccurately.
B) when the overall impression of an individual clouds the rating of that person in one select area.
C) when observational methods and ratings scales will likely not be an effective tool to use due to the vague nature of the attribute being observed.
D) when an individual is being too nice in his or her ratings of another.

Question 21

It is important that, when clients are asked to write an autobiography, strict instructions are given as to what areas are to be covered.

Question 22

Generally, there is little error in the application of rating scales.

Question 23

It is unusual to find one conducting an observation of an individual that includes both event and time sampling.

Question 24

A school psychologist is asked to observe the acting out behaviors of a student. He is concerned, however, that "acting out" has not been clearly defined. His concern is justified, as it relates the strongest to which of the following?

A) How valid the observation will be
B) The reliability of the observation
C) Cross-cultural issues related to the observation
D) How practical it is for him to view the situation

Question 25

Although having two raters increases reliability and accuracy when using observation, it may create issues with practicality.

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT true about performance-based assessment?

A) These instruments frequently measure speed and agility of the examinee.
B) They tend to minimize race-based differences.
C) They are often based on real-world tasks or responsibilities.
D) A portfolio is an example of a performance-based assessment.
E) They hope to predict how well one will achieve in a position.

Question 27

Informal assessment techniques are not particularly practical because one has to painstakingly take time to create them.

Question 28

A school psychologist is asked to observe the behaviors of a student. She is concerned that "inappropriate" has not been clearly defined, and if she will be the only individual observing this student, her analysis could be compromised. This concern is mostly related to which of the following?

A) How valid the observation will be
B) The reliability of the observation
C) Cross-cultural issues related to the observation
D) How practical it is for him to view the situation

Question 29

Which of the following are you NOT likely to find on a genogram?

A) Family history of illnesses and mental disorders
B) Age or dates of birth and death
C) Substance use
D) Relationships and cultural issues
E) You are likely to find all of these.

Question 30

In which of the following does cross-cultural fairness impact informal assessment techniques?

A) Use of more objective measures, such as numerical scales and Likert scales, mitigates concerns of cross- cultural fairness when using informal assessment techniques.
B) Due to unconscious or conscious bias, an examiner, observer, or rater may misinterpret the verbal or nonverbal behaviors of a minority client.
C) Because informal assessment procedures are developed by the examiner, they are less prone to cross-cultural bias.
D) Cross-cultural issues are not particularly relevant to informal assessment techniques.
E) None of these

Question 31

Due to the subjectivity of rating scales, the halo effect is probably minimal.

Question 32

Rating scales are subjective and the evaluation or assessment is based on the rater's "inner judgment" and can be filled with biases.

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT true about portfolio assessments?

A) They may include comments from teachers or supervisors.
B) They are considered a "paper" project.
C) Validity can be improved by linking items to competencies or standards.
D) They should be graded with a rubric or similar scoring system.

Question 34

Validity of informal assessment techniques has to do with how well the examiner is defining that which is being assessed.

Question 35

Because informal assessment procedures are developed by the examiner, they are less prone to cross-cultural bias.

Question 36

Two expert raters are trained to rate the ability of graduate students to use different kinds of questions when gathering information. After three weeks of training, their interrater reliability is .60. These raters:

A) have achieved high interrater reliability.
B) have a way to go before they are proficient at rating.
C) need to make the definitions of "the use of questions" a little more vague so their ratings will improve.
D) None of these are true.

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT true relative to the practicality of informal assessment techniques?

A) They are low-cost or cost-free.
B) They can be created or obtained in a short amount of time.
C) They are relatively easy to administer.
D) They are fairly easy to interpret.
E) They are cross-culturally free of bias.

Question 38

Interrater reliability measures the agreement or consistency among two or more evaluators observing a behavior or phenomenon.

Question 39

Despite the fact that informal assessment techniques are easily affected by bias, they still can offer much in the assessment process.

Question 40

Some environmental assessments are professionally constructed. Which of the following is true regarding these instruments?

A) They are more rigorously constructed than informal assessments.
B) An example is the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function.
C) Observation often plays a key role in these instruments.
D) They offer a less distorted view than many other forms of assessment.
E) All of these are true.

Question 41

Match the term with the description given.
This gives us insight about the usual manner in which a person behaves or about unusual, rarely seen behaviors of the person.

A)Biographical inventories
B)Cumulative records
C)Anecdotal information
D)Autobiographies
E)Journals and diaries
F)Genograms
G)Environmental assessments
H)Portfolio

Question 42

Performance-based assessments appear to be gaining popularity, which may be due in part to their ability to predict future performance and minimize racial biases.

Question 43

Match the term with the description given.
Collecting information about a client in his or her home, school, or work place.

A)Biographical inventories
B)Cumulative records
C)Anecdotal information
D)Autobiographies
E)Journals and diaries
F)Genograms
G)Environmental assessments
H)Portfolio

Question 44

Match the name of the rating scale with the examples below.
Rate how effective you thought this class was:

A)Semantic differential
B)Rank order
C)Likert-type (graphic scale)
D)Numerical

Question 45

Match the term with the description given.
A grouping of an examinee's work.

A)Biographical inventories
B)Cumulative records
C)Anecdotal information
D)Autobiographies
E)Journals and diaries
F)Genograms
G)Environmental assessments
H)Portfolio

Question 46

Match the name of the rating scale with the examples below.
For the following statements, place a 1 next to the item you most prefer, a 2 next to the item you second most prefer, etc. Continue in this manner down to a 5 next the item you prefer least.
I prefer a psychodynamic approach to counseling.
I prefer a behavioral approach to counseling.
I prefer a cognitive approach to counseling.
I prefer a humanistic approach to counseling.
I prefer an eclectic approach to counseling.

A)Semantic differential
B)Rank order
C)Likert-type (graphic scale)
D)Numerical

Question 47

Environmental assessments minimize outside stimuli by containing the assessment to a controlled and clinical setting.

Question 48

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Biographical inventories

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 49

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Anecdotal information

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 50

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Rank order

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 51

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Portfolio

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 52

Match the term with the description given.
By doing these, the client provides the professional with an ongoing, personal, "inside perspective" of his or her life and assists the helper in understanding the client's inner world.

A)Biographical inventories
B)Cumulative records
C)Anecdotal information
D)Autobiographies
E)Journals and diaries
F)Genograms
G)Environmental assessments
H)Portfolio

Question 53

Match the term with the description given.
The client's completion of this allows the helper to collect historical, in-depth and comprehensive information about a client that, for some reason, stands out in the client's memory.

A)Biographical inventories
B)Cumulative records
C)Anecdotal information
D)Autobiographies
E)Journals and diaries
F)Genograms
G)Environmental assessments
H)Portfolio

Question 54

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Situational test

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 55

Match the name of the rating scale with the examples below.
Rate how much you enjoyed this class:

A)Semantic differential
B)Rank order
C)Likert-type (graphic scale)
D)Numerical

Question 56

Match the term with the description given.
This is a map of an individual's family tree that may include family history of illnesses, mental disorders, substance use, relationship issues, cultural issues, and other concerns for counseling.

A)Biographical inventories
B)Cumulative records
C)Anecdotal information
D)Autobiographies
E)Journals and diaries
F)Genograms
G)Environmental assessments
H)Portfolio

Question 57

Match the term with the description given.
These are ongoing records of significant behaviors clients have exhibited, often kept in schools and places of employment.

A)Biographical inventories
B)Cumulative records
C)Anecdotal information
D)Autobiographies
E)Journals and diaries
F)Genograms
G)Environmental assessments
H)Portfolio

Question 58

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Event sampling

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 59

Match the name of the rating scale with the examples below.
Place an "X" on the line to represent how much of each quality you possess.

A)Semantic differential
B)Rank order
C)Likert-type (graphic scale)
D)Numerical

Question 60

Match the term with the description given.
This provides a detailed picture of the individual from birth to their current age and is often the by-product of a structured interview.

A)Biographical inventories
B)Cumulative records
C)Anecdotal information
D)Autobiographies
E)Journals and diaries
F)Genograms
G)Environmental assessments
H)Portfolio

Question 61

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Graphic (Likert-type)

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 62

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Numerical

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 63

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Cumulative records

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 64

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Journals and diaries

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 65

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Feeling word checklist

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 66

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Behavior checklist

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 67

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Sociometric technique

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 68

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Autobiographies

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 69

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Semantic differential

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 70

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Genograms

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment

Question 71

Match the informal assessment categories with their assessment instruments.
Time sampling

A)Observation
B)Rating scales
C)Classification methods
D)Environmental assessment
E)Records and personal documents
F)Performance-based assessment