Seeing Young Children A Guide to Observing and Recording Behavior 6th Edition – Test Bank

Complete Test Bank With Answers

Sample Questions Posted Below

Chapter 5—An Introduction to Observation and Recording Methods

TRUE/FALSE

1. Formal and informal methods of observation differ mainly in how strict the conditions are for using

them.

2. 3. ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Easy

Informal observation methods are usually chosen for research studies.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Easy

Informal observation methods do not require accuracy and dependability.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Medium

4. An example of a highly selective recording method is an event sample.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

5. Inferences are usually made after an observation when using an open, unselective method.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

6. On-the-spot inferences are made when using a closed, selective method.

ANS: T PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

7. Carefully defining a target behavior allows you to eliminate inference entirely.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

8. Raw data always leads researchers to the same inferences.

ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Medium

MULTIPLE CHOICE

1. Several distinctions among informal observation methods include:

a. degree of observer inference required

b. degree of selectivity

c. open versus closed

d. none of these answers is correct

ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

2. An example of a highly selective observation method might mean that:

a. b. c. d. no specific behaviors are chosen ahead of time

almost everything that occurs is acceptable for observing and recording

only instances of motor behavior might be recorded

none of these answers is correctANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

3. Susan has chosen to observe the small motor skills of her four-year-old class. What characteristics(s)

does her method exhibit?

a. unselective

b. closed

c. informal

d. none of these answers is correct

e. both “closed” and “unselective”

ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

4. John has set aside time to observe a preschool child and record everything the child does during the

observation. What characteristic(s) does his method exhibit?

a. formal

b. unselective

c. closed

d. none of these answers is correct

e. both “formal” and “unselective”

ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

COMPLETION

1. Descriptions of behavior and events as they originally occurred are called ____________________

____________________.

ANS: raw data

PTS: 1 DIF: Medium

2. An ____________________ observation method is less structured and is suitable for immediate use by

teachers and others who can use the method for day-to-day program operation and interactions with

children.

ANS: informal

PTS: 1 DIF: Medium

3. A method of observing and recording behavior that is highly structured and controlled is a

____________________ observation method.

ANS: formal

PTS: 1 DIF: Medium

4. An ____________________ is a conclusion based on directly observable data, premises, or evidence,

but is not itself directly observable.

ANS: inference

PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult5. Another name for informal observation is ____________________ observation.

ANS: naturalistic

PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

6. The accuracy of the observer’s inferences can be maximized by carefully ____________________ the

target behavior.

ANS: defining

PTS: 1 DIF: Medium

MATCHING

Match each statement with the correct item below.

a. b. a method of observing and recording behavior that is highly structured and controlled

a conclusion based on directly observable data, premises, or evidence, but is not itself

directly observable

c. a characteristic of observation and recording methods that determines how many

behaviors are targeted for observing and recording

d. e. carefully defining the target behavior

a method of observing and recording behavior that is less structured, suitable for

immediate use by teachers and others who can use the method for day-to-day program

operation and interactions with children

f. another name for informal observation

1. formal observation method

2. degree of selectivity

3. inference

4. naturalistic observation

5. operationally defining

6. informal observation method

1. ANS: A PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

2. ANS: C PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

3. ANS: B PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

4. ANS: F PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

5. ANS: D PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult

6. ANS: E PTS: 1 DIF: Difficult