Explain behavioural assessment techniques and their weaknesses.

  Behavioural assessment techniques

1) They all focus on behaviour

Both overt and covert behaviours are measured or evaluated as they occur in specific situations. Behaviours are observed at a specific time and in a limited location The variables and concepts with descriptions of behaviour are taken up objectively, as assessment requires objective information, which is more useful than inferences or subjective interpretations.

2) All behavioural assessment methods believe in Quantification

Behavior is quantified so as to allow for reliable comparisons across time and persons and to allow for communication between persons. This leads to greater objectivity of information.

3) All the behavioural assessment methods use trained, impartial observers

Observers are trained in the use of the various measurement techniques of behavioural assessment, recording of the same and collecting information in an objective manner. Observers are expected to achieve a specified standard of consistency in their collecting data, recording the information and interpreting the data.

4) All of them use empirically validated measures.

It is important to have consistency in the measurement across situations. The measures should be empirically validated.

5) All of them recognize errors and try to counteract the errors or minimise errors to the extent possible using statistical methods.

All assessment involves differing degrees of error causing unreliability of the results. Hence it is important to minimize the errors and this is generally carried out through statistical techniques..

6) All of these believe that the behaviour concerned occurs due to stimuli from the environment.

Assessment is directed toward discovering the situational influences on behaviour. The emphasis is on public events and direct observation of behaviour in the natural environment, with behaviour being recorded at the time of its occurrence whenever possible.

7) All these assessment techniques depend not on one but multiple sources of information.

In addition to the behavioural assessment, a wide-range of assessment strategies are used, including behavioural interviews, checklists, rating scales, standardised instruments, self-reports, self-monitoring forms, and observations, as no single test or source could give adequate information as to why a behaviour occurs.

8) All the behavioural assessment techniques ultimately place high emphasis on intervention.

The primary purpose of assessment is not to categorise or label a person but to obtain information that will assist in developing effective intervention strategies. The emphasis on intervention results in the application of the behavioural assessment model to the particular person , situation etc.

9) All the behavioural assessment techniques use continuous assessment.

Assessment is continuous throughout baseline, intervention, and follow up phases. The effectiveness of intervention strategies is continuously evaluated.

10) Each of these behavioural assessment techniques emphasises on empirically based decision making process.

Decisions about specific assessment strategies and interventions are based on empirical data available on the individual concerned from the person’s self and the environment in which the person lives.

11) Most of these behavioural assessment techniques focus on individual person rather than groups.

Assessment focuses on the individual person rather than comparisons to a norm group. There is a recognition of individual differences in behaviour and its determinants, leading to idiosyncratic assessment and intervention.

12) High emphasis is placed on individual differences.

Individual differences among persons are not absolute. Differences must be seen in relative terms, with consideration given to situational and cultural differences. It must be kept in mind that a certain behaviour considered normal in one setting may be considered abnormal in another setting.

13) All behavioural assessment techniques not only look for causes contributing to the problem but also try to solve the problem concerned, once the cause is known.

The purpose of behavioural assessment is problem solving, and hence identification of causes is extremely important so as to devise intervention strategies to overcome the problem.

14) All the behavioural assessment techniques focus on developing adaptive behaviour in the individual.

The focus of behavioural assessment is on developing adaptive, positive, or desirable behaviour rather than on control and reduction of undesirable behaviours. Hence behavioural interventions should be designed and implemented with the benefit of the particular person concerned in mind.

Weaknesses of behavioural assessment techniques

• Much of behavioural assessment methodology is not standardised.

• Differing levels of specification of the concerned behaviours may result in inconsistent data.

• Narrow definitions of behaviour may result in less consistency in behavioural observation.

• Behavioral assessment methodology may appear rather easy to apply. However if the psychologist or behaviourist is not trained in the techniques, the assessment will be defective and consequently the intervention will be ineffective.

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