In this article, we will Define Behavioural Assessment. Discuss the Common Characteristics and Assumptions of Behavioural Assessment.
Common Characteristics and Assumptions of Behavioural Assessment are as follows:
While there is a wide variety of techniques available for carrying out behavioural assessment, they have certain features in common.
1) They all focus on behaviour.
Both overt and covert behaviours are evaluated or measured as they occur in specific situations. Behaviours are observed at a specific time and in a limited location. The concepts and variables with descriptions of behaviour are taken up objectively, as assessment requires objective information. It is more useful than inferences or subjective interpretations.
2) All behavioural assessment methods believe in quantification.
Behaviour is quantified 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 objectively. 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.
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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, a wide range of assessment strategies is used, including behavioural interviews, checklists, standardised instruments, rating scales, self-monitoring forms, self-reports, and observations, as no single test or source could give acceptable information as to why a behaviour occurs.
8) All the behavioural assessment techniques ultimately place a high emphasis on intervention.
The primary purpose of assessment isn’t to label or categorise a person but to obtain information. It 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 the 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.
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11) Most of these behavioural assessment techniques focus on individual person rather than groups.
There is a recognition of individual differences in behaviour and its determinants, leading to distinctive assessment and intervention.
12) High emphasis is placed on individual differences.
Individual differences among persons aren’t 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. Hence identification of causes is extremely important 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.
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