Observational Measurement of Behavior - Softcover

Yoder PhD, Paul; Symons PhD, Frank

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0826137970 ISBN 13: 9780826137975

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company, 2010

Synopsis

Yoder and Symons bring decades of work to bear and it shows....[The book is] presented with broad scholarship and conceptual depth.

óRoger Bakeman, PhD
Professor Emeritus
Georgia State University

This outstanding volume transcends the typical treatment of behavior observation methods in introductory research texts. Yoder and Symons articulate a set of measurement principles that serve as the foundation for behavior observation as a scientific tool.

óWilliam E. MacLean Jr., PhD
Executive Director
Wyoming Institute for Disabilities University of Wyoming

This comprehensive textbook introduces graduate students to the competent conduct of observational research methods and measurement. The unique approach of this book is that the chapters delineate not only the techniques and mechanics of observational methods, but also the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of these methods.

The observational methods presented can be used for both single-subject and group-design perspectives, showing students how and when to use both methodologies. In addition, the authors provide many practical exercises within chapters as well as electronic media files of a sample observation session to code with multiple behavior sampling methods.

Key topics:

• Improving measurement of generalized characteristics through direct observation and the generalizability theory
• Developing coding schemes and designing or adapting coding manuals
• Determining sampling methods and metrics for observational variables
• Training observers and assessing their agreement
• Performing sequential analysis on observational data
• Assessing the validity of observational variables

About this title

From the Back Cover

491

About the Author

is a Professor in Vanderbilt University's Department of Special Education. As the past director of the Observational and Quantitative Methods core for the Kennedy Center of Vanderbilt University, he has consulted for numerous single subject and group design researchers for over 20 years. He has conducted methodological studies and written methodological and measurement articles and chapters for both single subject and group design literatures. Among these are 3 simulation studies relevant to sequential analysis. He currently teaches a recurring course on observational measurement for doctoral level students at Vanderbilt and is frequently asked to provide workshops on various aspects of observational measurement, including sequential analysis. He has been and continues to be an active user of observational measurement in his research on early communication in children with disabilities.

is Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota. He is the current director of the Observational Methods Lab at University of Minnesota. He has published methodological articles on (a) visual analysis of observational data and functional analysis, (b) field testing observational technology vs. paper and pencil methods, and (c) sequential and observational analysis of medication effects for severe behavior disorders. Additionally, Symons has co-edited a previous book on direct observational research methods and their application for research on individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and written multiple chapters related to direct observational research methods. He teaches doctoral seminars in single subject experimental research design, observational methods, and research methods in educational research in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Minnesota.

Edition details

• Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 0826137970
• ISBN 13: 9780826137975
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240