General Information

The Direct Observation Form obtains direct observations of a child's behavior over ten minute periods in the classroom and during group activities. It has 96 problem items scored on 4-step rating scales. The observer writes a narrative description of the child's behavior as it occurs over a 10-minute period and then rates problems observed during that period. Scores are averaged for up to six observation sessions.

Number of Versions:	1
Version:	Direct Observation Form
Author(s):	Thomas M. Achenbach
Date of Publication:	1986
Material(s) Needed for Test:	Instrument
Manual:	Available
Time to Administer:	10 minutes
Charge for one form or kit:	Yes

Purpose and Nature of Test

Construct(s) Measured:	Aggression, Conduct problems
Population for which designed:	Age Range: 5 through 14 years old
Method of Administration:	Individual
Source of Information:	Teacher, Observer
Subtests and Scores:	Withdrawn-Inattentive, Nervous-Obsessive, Depressed, Hyperactive, Attention-Demanding, Aggressive, On-Task, Internalizing, Externalizing, Total Problems
Number of Items:	96
Type of Scale:	Open response

Technical Evaluation

Norms: 

Sample Size:	499
Population:	5-14 year old children.
Culture/ethnicity:	Not reported by author(s).
SES Level:	Not reported by author(s).

Reliability: 

Psychometric information:	Provided for Subscales.
The range of Test-Retest Value:	Not assessed
The range of Inter-rater reliability:	0.84 to 0.90
The range of Internal consistency:	Not assessed

Validity: 

Criterion validity data has not been presented by Achenbach, T.M., and Rescorla, L.A.(2001). Manual For the ASEBA School-Age Forms and Profiles. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Research Center for Children, Youth, and Families.

Practical Evaluation

Scoring Procedure:	Manual and Computer Scoring
Examiner Qualifications and Training Required:	Masters Degree
Permission Required to Use Instrument:	Yes
If yes, by whom:	Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA)

Notes

Original Reference(s):

Achenbach, T. M. (1986). The Direct Observation Form of the Child Behavior Checklist (Rev ed.). Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry.

Other Reference(s):

Achenbach, Thomas M. & Rescorla, Leslie A. (2001). Manual for the ASEBA School-Age Forms & Profiles. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Research Center for Children, Youth, & Families. Achenbach, T. M. (1991). Manual for the Child Behavior Checklist/4-18 and 1991 Profile. Burlington, VT: University of Vermont, Department of Psychiatry. McConaughy, S. H., Achenbach, T. M., & Gent, C. L. (1988). Multiaxial empirically based assessment: Parent, teacher, observational, cognitive, and personality correlates of child behavior profiles types for 6-11 year old boys. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 16 (5), 485-509.

Contact

Organization:	Achenbach System of Emprically Based Assessment (ASEBA)
Address:	1 South Prospect Street, Room 6436
City:	Burlington
State:	VT
Zip:	05401-3456
Phone:	(802) 264-6432
Fax:	(802) 264-6433
E-mail:	mail@ASEBA.org
Website:	www.ASEBA.org

Last updated by Violence Institute of New Jersey:  January 2007