Chapter-9_3.docx

Prepared by: Polintan, Jane Karla I. Date Submission: December 14, 2018

OBSERVATION METHODS Naturalistic Observation A study method where the observer objectively records the behavior of a participants in their natural environment without intervention. Examples of Naturalistic Observation Home Observation. Because experiences in the family or home have such pervasive effects on adjustment. One of the most well regarded systems for home observation is the Mealtime Family Interaction Coding System. This observational system involves the use of a videotaped interaction of the entire family eating at mealtime, without the presence of a clinician or researcher. Trained coders watched the videotape and rate the family on several domains, including:   

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Task Accomplishment (meeting and balancing of family members’ needs in the context of the meal) Affect Management (expression and management of feelings expressed by family members) Interpersonal Involvement (the degree to which family members show concern for one another’s needs) Behavior Control (use of discipline and consistency) Communication (appropriateness and directness of verbal and non-verbal communication)

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Roles (how family members divide tasks and responsibilities)

School Observation. Clinical child psychologists must often deal with behavior problems that take place in the school setting; some children are disruptive in class, overly aggressive on the playground, generally fearful, cling to the teacher, will not concentrate, and so on. An example of a behavioral observation system used in school setting is Achenbach’s revised Direct Observation Form (DOF) of the Child Behavior checklist. The DOF is used to assess problem behaviors that may be observed in school classrooms or other settings. Sample Items from the Direct Observations Form (DOF) of the Child Behavior Checklist 1. Argues 2. Defiant or talks back to staff 3. Cruel, bullies, or mean to others 4. Disturbs other children 5. Physically attacks people 6. Disrupts group activities 7. Nervous, high-strung, or tense 8. Apathetic, unmotivated, or won’t try 9. Shy or timid behavior 10. Stares blankly 11. Unhappy, sad, or depressed 12. Withdrawn, doesn’t get involved with others NOTE: All items are rated on a scale of 0 to 3 for the specified observation period. 0 = no occurrence; 1 = very slight or ambiguous occurrence; 2 = definite occurrence with mild to moderate intensity/ frequency and less than 3 minutes total duration;

3 = definite occurrence with severe intensity, high frequency, or greater than 3 minutes total duration. Hospital Observation. Observation techniques have long been used in such settings as psychiatric hospitals and institutions for those with mental retardation. An example of hospital observation measure is the Time Sample Behavior Checklist (TSBC) developed by Gordon Paul and his associates (Mariotto & Paul 1974). It is a time-sample behavioral checklist that can be used with chronic psychiatric patients. Controlled Observation

Parent–Adolescent Conflict. Adolescence is a period of rapid biological and psychosocial changes, which have a salient impact on parent– child relationships. To more accurately assess the nature and degree of parent–adolescent conflict, Prinz and Kent (1978) developed the Interaction Behavior Code (IBC) system. Using the IBC, several raters review and rate audio taped discussions of families attempting to resolve a problem about which they disagree. Sample Codes and Definitions from the Interaction Behavior Code (IBC)

This type of observational method is carried out under controlled, arranged conditions, often in a laboratory setting. Controlled observations are overt as the researcher will explain the purpose of the research and the participants know they are being observed. —for example, asking couples to discuss relationship problems in the laboratory to observe couple interaction patterns.

Negative Behavior 1. Yelling—raising the volume of one’s voice in an angry manner. 2. Name-calling—applying a name to the other person that connotes something negative. 3. Mind-reading—stating or attributing beliefs to the other person.

Advantages  Can be easily replicated by other researchers by using the same observation schedule  Observer can have control over variables  A less time consuming method compared to naturalistic observation

Positive Behavior 1. Making suggestions—offering solutions and possible ideas (without demanding) of things that can be done differently in the future. 2. Asking what the other would like— attempting to find out what the other person wants, expects, or prefers. 3. Compromise—modifying original intentions or preferences, willingness to do so.

Disadvantage  Participants behave differently since they know they are being observed

NOTE: Each code is rated according to whether it occurred during the time frame of interest

Controlled Performance Techniques Controlled performance technique refers to an assessment procedure in which the clinician places individuals in carefully controlled performance situations and collects data on their performance/behaviors, their emotional reactions which is subjectively rated, and/or varieties of psychophysiological indices. Self-Monitoring Self-monitoring is a personality characteristic that makes an individual pay closer attention to a social situation so that they can change their behaviors to fit that situation.