Observation and Assessment Methods Flashcards

Which of the following is a key ethical consideration when sharing observational data about a child?

Answer: Maintaining confidentiality and sharing only with those directly involved in the child's care

Confidentiality requires that assessment data be shared only with those who have a legitimate need to know.

A rating scale differs from a checklist because it:

Answer: Measures the degree or quality of a skill, not just its presence

Rating scales capture the frequency or quality of a behavior along a continuum, while checklists only note presence or absence.

When is the best time to write up observational notes from memory?

Answer: As soon as possible after the observation

Notes should be recorded as soon as possible to ensure accuracy and completeness before details fade.

A teacher wants to track how often a child initiates conversation with peers. Which tool is most appropriate?

Answer: Event sampling tally

Event sampling tracks the frequency of specific target behaviors, making it ideal for counting how often conversation initiation occurs.

What is the primary purpose of a developmental screening in preschool?

Answer: To identify children who may need further evaluation

Developmental screening is a brief process to identify children who may need a more thorough evaluation, not to diagnose.

An observation note reads: 'Marcus grabbed the crayon from Lily and she began to cry.' This is an example of:

Answer: Objective, factual recording

The note describes only observable actions without judgment or interpretation, making it objective and factual.

Which assessment approach involves gathering information from multiple sources such as teachers, parents, and direct observation?

Answer: Triangulation

Triangulation uses multiple data sources to create a more complete and accurate picture of a child's development.