Observations

a detailed written account of everything observed about a child for a period of time. Includes what the child says, plus relevant actions and responses to others.

• running record

• anecdotal record

• developmental checklist

• guided questions

Short, but complete, written descriptions of a specific, common behavior, event, or situation that the observer is tracking.

• running record

• anecdotal record

• developmental checklist

• guided questions

A list of skills and behaviors children typically master or show at a certain age. Observer notes which have been achieved.

• running record

• anecdotal record

• developmental checklist

• guided questions

A series of questions guiding the observer to look for, record, and interpret development or behavior related to a particular topic.

• running record

• anecdotal record

• developmental checklist

• guided questions

Each time a targeted event or behavior occurs, the observer captures, in writing, as many details as possible from the beginning of the event until the end.

• event sample

• time sample

• frequency count

• rating scale

• sociogram

A record that documents the frequency of a common behavior. Presence of the behavior is checked at certain, fairly short, periods of time, usually several times a day.

• event sample

• time sample

• frequency count

• rating scale

• sociogram

Observer keeps track of how often one or more specific behaviors occur.

• event sample

• time sample

• frequency count

• rating scale

• sociogram

Used to evaluate how will the child being observed meets a set of criteria related to a skill or behavior.

• event sample

• time sample

• frequency count

• rating scale

• sociogram

A diagram showing social interactions that occur.

• event sample

• time sample

• frequency count

• rating scale

• sociogram

to rely on personal opinions and feelings, rather than facts. to judge an event

• subjective observation

• objective observation

• interpretation observation

• confidentiality observation