Study Questions - Chapter 4: Behavioural Observation

Why are observations during interviews and test taking useful?

book: ‘Observation during an interview (e.g., an intake interview) can be useful for generating hypotheses about a client’s problems, particularly if systematically different aspects of his behaviour are being examined.’

They provide direct information about behaviour (e.g., affect, motivation, interaction style) that may not appear in tests, and can confirm or contradict self-report.

What sources of error can disrupt perception and information processing during unstandardised observations?

Biases such as:

• Leniency effect

• Halo effect

• Logic error

• Contrast error

• Primacy and recency effects

• Tendency to mostly give average scores and to avoid making extreme judgements.

Which two heuristics particularly affect clinical observations, and how?

1. Availability heuristic: the immediate availability of certain memories.

2. First impression: peoples tendency to hold onto their first impression, even when there is additional information that contradicts the initial impression.

Describe the different contents, contexts, and timescales of observation methods and their psychometric properties.

• Content: What is observed (behaviour, emotions, interactions). What level?: molar/molecular

• Context: Where observation occurs (clinic, school, home).

• Psychometrics: standardised methods = higher reliability; naturalistic = ecological validity.

What are the disadvantages and advantages of self-observation and observation by someone close to the client?

Self-observation:

• Advantages: Insight into internal states, cheap.

• Disadvantages: Bias, low reliabilty.

Close-other observation:

• Advantages: Long-term perspective.

• Disadvantages: Subjective, emotional involvement.

What is interrater reliability, and how can it be improved?

Agreement between different observers.

Improved by comprehensive training.

What is the aim and structure of the Behavioural Avoidance Test?

Aim: Measure avoidance behaviour and fear severity.

Structure: Client performs graded fear-elicting tasks in steps until they stop; performance and distress are recorded.

Which two types of behaviour should be observed when assessing social anxiety, and what methodological problems occur?

(Methodological problems are challenges or flaws in the methods, principles, and rules used in research or a systematic inquiry.)

Types:

1. Anxiety behaviours (trembling, avoidance, tension);

2. Social performance behaviours (eye contact, speech).

Methodological problems: Behaviour varies by situation; observer bias; limited generalisability.

What is the aim of the CFI (Camberwell Family Interview), and how is it scored?

Aim: Assess expressed emotion in relatives (criticism, hostility, emotional overinvolvement).

Scoring: Ratings of frequency/intensity of critical comments, overinvolvement, and warmth.

CFI → Interview that measures a family member’s emotional attitude toward the client (EE).