Child Observation Measures

Question 1

Child Survey/Interview

Answer 1

*Advantages
1. Subjective experiences
2. Relatively fast
3. In-depth
*Disadvantages
1. Biases
2. Memory Inaccuracies
3. Relies on language

Question 2

Parent Survey/Interview or Diary Study

Answer 2

*Advantages
1. “Expert” observer
2. In-depth
3. Relatively fast (except diary)
*Disadvantages
1. Biases
2. Memory inaccuracies

Question 3

Naturalistic Observation

Answer 3

*Advantages
1. Directly observe behavior
2. Everyday settings & interactions
3. No language required
*Disadvantages
1. Less about subjective
experience
2. Might influence behavior
3. Infrequent behaviors
4. Less control

Question 4

Structured Observation

Answer 4

*Advantages
1. Directly observe behavior
2. Control of situation
3. No language is required
*Disadvantages
1. Less about subjective
experience
2. Might influence behavior
3. Less natural

Question 5

Physiological

Answer 5

*Advantages
1. No language required
2. Answers certain questions
*Disadvantages
1. Can be difficult to connect to
emotion, thought, or behavior