C.2 Distinguish among direct, indirect, and product measuresof behavior

When we're tracking a child's behavior, it's important to know the different ways we can measure it. There are three main methods: direct observation, indirect observation, and product measures.

Direct observation: means watching the behavior happen in real-time. This method gives the most accurate information because it comes directly from what is happening.

Examples:

-Observing how many times a child has an accident in the bathroom during the school day.

-Counting how often a student interrupts the teacher in class.

Indirect observation: when we gather information about behavior from sources other than directly watching it. This can be done through interviews, surveys, or reports from other people who are around the child. It’s helpful when you can't directly observe the behavior but need to know more.

Examples:

-Asking a teacher for a report on a student's behavior at school.

-Giving a parent a questionnaire about their child’s behavior at home

Product: it is a way to obtain data about a behavior that interests us. This is done by measuring the physical results of the behavior . The product allows you to obtain data about behavior that has already occurred.

Examples:

-Checking if a child has finished their homework assignments.

-Looking to see if a child has made their bed in the morning.