The construction of a category-type observational instrument based on sets of similar behavioral components from mutually exclusive subsets of measurably stated objectives of a particular special education treatment program is described. Systematic Who-to-Whom Analysis Notation is an in-process instrument employed unobtrusively, utilizing a…

A classroom observation rating scale, based upon a recent analysis of the literature and conceptually verified by open education advocates, effectively differentiated British and American open classrooms from American traditional classrooms. The influence of socio-economic settings was also demonstrated. For the three comparison groups, more…

In order to evaluate the changes in parent and student attitudes toward the various components of the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program, the paraprofessional home visitors were asked to complete a ten item questionnaire based on their observations of the family's reactions to each of three components (TV program, home visit, and mobile…

The analysis of covariance is frequently used in observational studies to either adjust treatment comparisons for biases due to different distributions of extraneous variables or for improving the precison of the treatment comparisons. This paper discusses aspects that the researcher should keep in mind when planning such a study. In particular it…

Describes a five-stage intervisitation program in which teachers within a department visit each other for demonstrations of teaching methods. (IRT)

The author describes a method, field tested with 50 emotionally disturbed children in five residential and day treatment centers, in which observations of behavior are converted into qualitative indices of adjustment to yield a profile of change of each S. (Author/CL)

Five groups of children, ranging in age from 4 to 11 years, were observed for instances of immediate imitation of peers in a free-play setting. Results showed that imitation decreased with age, that more verbal than motor acts were imitated, and that dominant children were imitated more often. (Author/JMB)

Described is the SICCS model (Social Interaction and Creativity in Communication System) for systematically analyzing behaviors associated with creativity. (DB)

This report describes a method for objectively assessing the style of mother-infant interaction without regard to the specific content of the interaction. Application of this method to systematic observations made of 45 mother-infant dyads revealed sex and parity effects. (Author/JMB)

In a twin study using direct behavioral observation of parent-child interaction, as well as ratings and experimental measures, the question of parents' differential treatment of monozygotic and dizygotic twins was investigated. (Author/SB)

To examine the effects of behavior sampling on global ratings, four groups of 10 teachers each received varying amounts of observation training, practice, and feedback. (Author)

Analyzed 151 behavioral-gerontological research studies published before 1984 and categorized the observation, assessment, or intervention studies. Found that: (1) many studies focused on institutionalized elderly; (2) less than 20 percent of studies focused on observation or assessment; and (3) intervention studies were often problematic. Results…

Teachers can provide a much more detailed and informed diagnosis of language problems despite the continued use of inadequate standardized tests. Suggestions for teachers include arranging the classroom to provide interest centered activity areas which afford opportunities for observing student language skills. (Author/DB)

The observational study examined the frequency and severity of misbehaviors of 98 behaviorally disordered adolescents on both mainstreamed and categorical bus transportation arrangements. Data indicated a dramatic increase in frequency and severity of misbehavior during the period of categorical transportation with a parallel increase in the…

Describes observation research conducted by the author in a state institution for the mentally retarded. Discusses the moral and ethical dilemmas that occurred when the author witnessed routine abuse to patients by the institution's attendants. (BSR)