Behavioural Assesment

Question 1

Difference between behavioural and personality assesment

Answer 1

Ideologically different to personality assessment

*	Behavioral assessment stands ideologically apart from personality assessment, which focuses on traits and constructs believed to be relatively stable over time. In contrast, behavioral assessments emphasize observable actions in specific contexts, reflecting a more dynamic and situational approach to human behavior.

Personality testing assumes that behaviors represent aspects of an underlying personality construct

*	In personality testing, behaviors are often interpreted as manifestations of deeper, more stable personality constructs, like introversion or resilience, assuming that these behaviors are consistent across various situations.

A dispositional approach

*	Personality assessment follows a dispositional approach. It seeks to measure long-standing traits that reflect an individual’s consistent patterns of behavior. This approach assumes that behavior is largely driven by internal characteristics. Behavioral testing is a measure of how you behave in a given situation

*	Behavioral testing, on the other hand, does not infer underlying traits but measures actions within specific contexts. This situational approach suggests that behavior can vary greatly depending on the environment and circumstances.

A situational approach

*	The behavioral model is context-dependent, meaning it focuses on the present behavior within the setting in which it occurs. This approach contrasts with the broader, more abstract lens of personality testing.

Question 2

Typically used…

Answer 2

Typically used on young adults and young children

*	Behavioral assessments are frequently applied to younger populations, such as children and adolescents. These individuals are often still in the process of forming concrete personality traits, making it ideal to focus on observable actions in current situations.

Before a concrete ‘personality’ has been created

*	Because personality is still evolving in younger individuals, behavioral assessments are preferred for these groups to gauge their actions in particular settings before solidified personality traits have fully emerged.

Question 3

Three fundamentals…

Answer 3

1. Behavioral assessments focus on the current actions and not on broader interpretations.
   
   2. Personality assessments aim to infer broader constructs from observed behaviors.
   3. Behavioral assessments are more situational and immediate, focusing on what can be directly observed in context.

Question 4

Views on testing patients (Goldfried, 1976)

Sample and Sign

Answer 4

Sample

*	Identify characteristics of interest.
*	Assume these traits carry over to non-test situations.
*	This is a typical behavioral assessment perspective, focusing on observable traits that are consistent across contexts.

Sign

*	Inferences are drawn from behavior or performance during testing.
*	These behaviors are symbolic of other, deeper characteristics.
*	This view aligns with personality assessment, where behavior is used to infer underlying traits.

Question 5

Iterative model

Answer 5

• Initial assessment involves diagnosis, treatment context, and evaluating client resources.
  
  • This leads to treatment planning and goal setting.
  • The progress is monitored throughout, with the aim of achieving treatment completion and maintaining treatment gains over time.
  • Adjustments are made as necessary, reflecting a dynamic and flexible approach to behavioral intervention.

Question 6

Observational Method - Naturalistic

School observation

Answer 6

• Often influenced by untrained observers, making accuracy and consistency challenging.
  
  • Behavioral assessments from teachers or other adults can be unreliable.
  • Tools like the Direct Observation Form (DOF) are used to systematically assess behavioral problems in school settings.
  • Assessors rate the frequency of 88 problem behaviors during multiple observation periods across the day (morning and afternoon), which helps in formulating accurate diagnostic evaluations.

Question 7

Observational Method - Controlled

Controlled observation

Answer 7

• The environment is purposefully designed to trigger specific behaviors for observation.
  
  • Sometimes referred to as situational testing, it aims to provoke responses in controlled settings to measure behavior in a predictable way.
  • Controlled observation is often viewed as theoretically more valid than psychometric testing because it relies on real-time, observable behavior rather than inference.

Question 8

Strengths

Answer 8

Strengths

*	Systematic: Behavioral assessments are thorough and structured, following specific protocols for observation and evaluation.
*	Precise: These assessments emphasize the precision of observed behaviors, noting exact circumstances and consequences.
*	Multiple assessment periods: Observations occur over different times and settings, allowing for a more holistic understanding of behavior.
*	Continually modified: Behavioral assessments are dynamic, allowing for adjustments based on new information or changes in behavior.

Question 9

Weaknesses

Answer 9

• Sometimes clinically impractical: Conducting behavioral assessments, especially naturalistic ones, can be difficult in clinical settings where time and resources are limited.
  
  • Time intensive: Behavioral assessments often require extended observation over multiple sessions, making them labor-intensive.
  • Expensive: The resources required, such as trained observers, time, and specialized tools, make behavioral assessments costly to implement in some cases.