Date of Award

2003

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

W. Grant Willis

Abstract

Direct observation of behavior is a form of behavioral assessment that maintains a low level of inference when applied to psychoeducational decision-making. The recent proliferation of computer behavior-observation systems has provided observers with an efficient means for collecting direct behavior observational data (Kahng & Iwata, 2000; Shapiro & Kratochwill, 2000a, 2000b). Although computerized methods are less cumbersome than other recording methods (e.g., partial-interval form, narrative recording), it is not clear if computerized methods offer improvement by enhancing observational accuracy or reducing judgment bias that is generally initiated in applied settings (e.g. referral information; Arkes & Harkness, 1980; O'Reilly, Northcraft, & Sabers, 1989). Undergraduate participants (N = 243) were trained to perform a 10- minute observation using a computer observation program, partial interval form, narrative recording method, or a no-recording method. In addition, the participants were randomly given an internalizing, externalizing, or a non-specific psychopathology referral. The participants who used computerized and interval-recording methods consistently produced more accurate observations and were less susceptible to referral bias than the narrative and no-method groups. Implications for applied practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.

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