Observational Measurement of Behavior, Second Edition

Authors

Paul Yoder, Frank J. Symons, Ph.D., Blair P. Lloyd, Ph.D.

An essential textbook for anyone preparing to be a researcher, this comprehensive volume introduces graduate students to key principles of observational measurement of behavior. Based on a course the highly respected authors taught at Vanderbilt University and the University of Minnesota, this text delves deeply into a highly effective approach to observational measurement: systematic observation.

Students will master both the theoretical principles of systematic observation and recommended research methods and techniques. They'll learn from practical examples that illustrate complex concepts, clear explanations of recommended research methods, definitions of key terms, and exercises and assignments that help them practice putting principles into action. Online companion materials include two free licenses for proprietary observational software that students can use to complete the exercises and assignments in this book.

Ideal for use in research methodology courses in diverse fields—including special education, communication sciences, psychology, and social work—this fundamental graduate text will prepare future researchers to skillfully collect, summarize, and communicate their observations of children's behavior.

STUDENTS WILL:

• Fully understand key methods of observational research and measurement
• Get comprehensive information on both foundational and advanced topics
• Learn from real-world examples based on the authors' extensive experience
• Apply specific recommendations for effective techniques and best practices

SELECTED TOPICS COVERED: validity and reliability, representativeness, measurement theory, behavior sampling and coding, observer training, metrics of observational variables, modifying and designing coding manuals, sequential analysis, generalizability theory.

ONLINE COMPANION MATERIALS: Instructors will get a full package of online materials, including two licenses for observational software, video clips students can use to practice coding behaviors, a suggested schedule for a semester-long course, exercises for students, and assignments with corresponding grading rubrics.

Reviews

Rebecca McCauley, Ohio State University - February 14, 2018

“ From time to time, a book comes along that can help a field ‘up its game.’ Clearly, Observational Measurement of Behavior, Second Edition is just such a book for speech-language pathology, and undoubtedly other fields in which knowledge can be built from meticulous ‘noticing’ and recording of human behaviors and characteristics. Its blending of theory and practice make it a necessary addition to the libraries of both novice and seasoned researchers and a valuable resource for the graduate classroom.”

Daniel Messinger, University of Miami - February 10, 2018

“ Yoder and colleagues have created a readable guide to observational research that I will recommend to my students as a one-volume, simple exposition one-stop-shopping experience for those learning to study children's behavior. From creating a coding manual to analyzing contingencies, the early stage researcher will have everything they need in a clear, accessible volume that will also give the seasoned investigator access to all topics relevant to the meaningful analyses of what children and others do.”

Joe Reichle, ASHA Fellow and Professor of Speech-Language-Hearing Sciences, University of Minnesota - January 30, 2018

“ Yoder, Lloyd and Symons have written an exceptionally readable primer on observational measurement that is a must read for any serious student of the replicable study of behavioral phenomena. This very readable text that is well suited to a semester long course on observational methodology. The authors done a masterful job of choosing the topics to emphasize leaving less commonly used applications to other resources.”

Jon Miller, Emeritus Professor, University of Wisconsin – Madison, CEO of Salt Software - January 24, 2018

“ This book is a master work detailing observational methods so important for charting complex behavior. This comprehensive and authoritative text of methods…deliver clarity and understanding to the most complex clinical problems.”

Steven Warren, University Distinguished Professor, University of Kansas - January 18, 2018

“ Yoder, Lloyd and Symons have given us an observational methods opus that is rooted in the real world of human behavior. Their book is thorough, systematic, appropriately nuanced, concise and remarkably interesting. This book is a gift to present and future generations of behavioral scientists whose research is dependent on the observational measurement of human behavior.”

Additional Materials Available

This product has additional material available on the Brookes Download Hub.

• video clips students can use to practice coding behaviors
• a suggested schedule for a semester-long course
• exercises for students
• assignments with corresponding grading rubrics

Visit the Download Hub for a preview of what's available.