Advantages and disadvantages of behavior rating scales and observation systems are presented, followed by preliminary validity data for the Mayes Hyperactivity Observation System, a clinically feasible system to identify preschool children with both Attention Deficit Disorder and Hyperactivity. Hyperactive and normal children were identified with…

Describes how an educational anthropologist's study objectives developed during fieldwork conducted in a fundamentalist Christian school and community. Asserts that this narrative reflects the strong relation of problem finding to problem solving in the practice of naturalistic inquiry. (KH)

Six steps in the ecological assessment model are described, from setting goals to developing a learning plan, and factors such as the physical milieu and classroom patterns are considered. Methods and sources of ecological assessment data are reviewed. (CL)

Compared interpersonal and behavioral observational systems in their ability to differentiate families with a bulimic-anorexic daughter using the modified Marital Interaction Coding System (MICS) and the Structural Analysis of Social Behavior (SASB). Results showed both measures successfully discriminated between groups, accounting for…

Describes a specific empirical method for the systematic observation of examiner behavior during psychoeducational assessments, the Systematic Observation Scale for Assessments (SOS-A). Discusses development of the instrument and presents data on intra- and interobserver agreement. The instrument is regarded as an initially adequate method for…

Examined the differential validity of teacher ratings of Inattention/Overactivity and Aggression among 48 clinic-referred boys. These ratings were correlated with observations undertaken in three different classroom settings. Results indicated that the teachers were able to differentiate significantly between these externalizing behaviors in the…

Type and comprehensiveness of training were experimentally manipulated (N=128) to study their effects on the reliability and validity of rated counselor empathy. Implications for observer training are discussed. (Author)

Observation is important in evaluation, but artifact collection should also be used as a supplement to observation. This article includes a framework for analysis of content, design, and presentation of such material in teacher evaluation. (MD)

A total of 30 third- and fourth-grade students, ages 8 to 10 years, were observed systematically over two school days to examine the nature of instruction and academic responding time for students at varying levels of teacher-perceived behavioral competence. Findings concerned the relationship between responding times and achievement. (Author/CI)

Compares the interactions of 20 firstborn and 17 lastborn children with their parents and siblings. Children were observed at home for five 45-minute sessions. Oldest children differed from youngest children in emitting more behaviors to parents than to siblings and in receiving more negative responses from parents and siblings. (Author/CB)

Elaborates on the use of simulated families in training novice-level therapists. Outlines a process for preparing students for the simulation, reviews live supervision interventions, describes a procedure for conducting the postsession discussion, and clarifies the family therapy skills that can be taught with the use of simulation. (LLL)

A game using student observational skills to match tourist "types" with comments, postcards, hotel and travel advertisements, souvenirs, guidebooks and sources of travel information, photos, travel styles, and tourist attractions is outlined and illustrated. (MSE)

Discusses the role of the reading specialist acting as a clinical supervisor of reading teachers. Provides a format for conferences between specialist and classroom teacher. (AEA)

Findings suggest that (1) the effects of rehearsal on deceptive success vary depending upon certain characteristics of the communicator/deceiver and (2) a relationship exists between certain behavior correlates of deceptive communication and observer accuracy in detecting deception. (PD)

This article concerns the learning experiences of a 16-year-old girl who spent part of her school day observing nursery school children. It relates her successes and failures in communicating with the children and reveals her gradual awareness of the needs of those students, as written in her diary. (MA)