BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT

Behavioral Assessment



 

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC- 2) and Behavior and Emotional Disorders Scales, on the basis of key test measurement concepts of reliability and validity. The paper also includes other assessment tools and a detailed description of how these tools are applied in a professional setting. There is an explanation of the assessment techniques used within the assessment tools, and gives examples of counseling situations where the techniques are appropriately applied. The paper includes the interpretation of results of each test based on standard statistical methods and procedures.

Behavior Assessment System

Introduction

The assessment of the behavioral and emotional problems that affect children is imperative for the development of interventions. In order to achieve this, people must conduct behavioral assessments. This is the most common way to measure the problem areas. There are a number of assessment tools, which comprise of rating scales and checklists that help to measure emotional and behavioral aspects. However, it is important for the users to understand and interpret the tools for proper evaluation. There are three steps that are involved in the assessment. Firstly, the user must review the records of the child, and his or her other related information should be reviewed. Additionally, various people need to be interviewed, like parents and teachers. Lastly, the child must be observed in different settings through a systematic process. The parents and teachers have to be taught about the tools so that their information is of utmost relevance.

Discussion

Behavior Assessment System for Children- Second Edition (BASC- 2)

The BASC- 2 (Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2004) is an assessment tool that is very comprehensive. The tool provides information about a child's behaviors and emotions, and consists of forms and rating scales. There are various forms and rating scales in the BASC- 2, like the PRS (Parent Rating Scales), the SOS (Student Observation System) , the SRP (Self-Report of Personality), the TRS (Teacher Rating Scales) and SDH (Structured Developmental History). The SOS, PRS, and TRS are used to measure the behavior patterns of children. The SRP helps assess the emotions and feelings of the child. The background information of the child is obtained from SDH.

The BASC- 2 can be utilized for assessing children and adolescents ranging from ages two through twenty- one. The PRS is used to measure the adaptive and problem behaviors of a child in the home and community settings. In contrast, the TRS comprehensively measures the problem and adaptive behaviors of the children in the school or preschool settings. Using the PRS tool, teachers and parents are required to rate the frequency of the behavior using a 4- point scale that ranges from 'never occurs' to 'almost always occurs'. The age levels that are available with this tool are the preschoolers (ages two to five), child (ages six to eleven), and adolescent (ages twelve to twenty- one). There are around 100- 140 items in TRS and PRS for these age levels.

There are numerous sub domains in the TRS and PRS ...