CCP Observation and Assessment 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which observation method is most useful for determining how frequently a specific behavior occurs throughout the day?
- Anecdotal record
- Running record
- Event sampling (Correct answer)
- Portfolio assessment
Correct answer: Event sampling
Event sampling tallies each time a targeted behavior occurs, making it ideal for measuring behavior frequency.
Question 2: A caregiver observes a 4-year-old during free play but does not interact with or redirect the child. This technique is called:
- Participant observation
- Non-participant observation (Correct answer)
- Structured observation
- Clinical observation
Correct answer: Non-participant observation
Non-participant observation means the observer watches without interacting, minimizing influence on the child's natural behavior.
Question 3: Developmental screening tools such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) are designed to:
- Provide a definitive diagnosis of developmental delays
- Identify children who may need further evaluation (Correct answer)
- Replace comprehensive developmental assessments
- Measure IQ in children under 5
Correct answer: Identify children who may need further evaluation
Screening tools flag children who may be at risk and need more thorough assessment — they do not provide diagnoses.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes 'objective' observation documentation?
- 'Maya seemed angry and threw the block because she was frustrated.'
- 'Maya threw a red block onto the floor with force and began crying.' (Correct answer)
- 'Maya has anger issues and needs behavioral intervention.'
- 'Maya always has trouble sharing during group activities.'
Correct answer: 'Maya threw a red block onto the floor with force and began crying.'
Objective documentation records observable facts without interpretation, judgment, or inference about internal states.
Question 5: A family shares that their child has been assessed and qualifies for an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). This plan is designed for children:
- Ages 6–12 with learning disabilities
- Birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities (Correct answer)
- Ages 3–5 in preschool special education
- School-age children with autism spectrum disorder
Correct answer: Birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities
An IFSP under IDEA Part C serves infants and toddlers (birth to age 3) who have developmental delays or qualifying conditions.
Question 6: When documenting a child's progress, a caregiver writes 'Lena appears to be smarter than the other kids.' This statement is problematic because it is:
- Too specific and detailed
- Subjective and comparative rather than observable fact (Correct answer)
- Written in past tense
- Too short for a complete record
Correct answer: Subjective and comparative rather than observable fact
Comparing children and using value-laden language like 'smarter' is subjective and not appropriate in professional observation records.
Question 7: Time sampling is best suited for studying behaviors that are:
- Rare and unpredictable
- Frequent and observable at regular intervals (Correct answer)
- Related to emotional trauma
- Occurring only during meals
Correct answer: Frequent and observable at regular intervals
Time sampling checks for a behavior at preset intervals, so it works best for behaviors that occur often enough to be captured regularly.
CCP Observation and Assessment 3
Which observation method is most useful for determining how frequently a specific behavior occurs throughout the day?