Certification Examinations for Oklahoma Educators (CEOE) Practice Exam

What type of assessment involves observational techniques to track how often a specific behavior occurs?

1. Event sampling

2. Running record

3. Time sampling

4. Rating scale

The correct answer is: Event sampling

The type of assessment that involves observational techniques to track how often a specific behavior occurs is event sampling. This method focuses on recording instances of specific behaviors as they happen within a defined time period or context. It is particularly effective in capturing discrete behaviors, allowing the observer to gather data on the frequency and context in which the behavior occurs. Event sampling is beneficial in educational settings because it provides insights into student engagement, social interactions, and various other behaviors in real time. By systematically recording when a behavior occurs, educators can identify patterns, triggers, and potential areas for intervention or support. In contrast, running records involve continuous narrative accounts of behavior over a set period, focusing more on the flow of behavior rather than specific instances. Time sampling records behaviors at regular intervals, which may not capture the frequency of occurrences as effectively as event sampling. Rating scales require evaluators to provide subjective assessments of behaviors rather than tracking them in real-time, making this method less focused on frequency.