Definition
An assessment instrument designed to obtain the perceptions or judgments of a subject’s behavior in a standardized format. Rater’s may be the subject (self-rating) or others with the opportunity to observe and describe aspects of the subject’s behavior (i.e., parents, teachers, etc.) [2].
Description
Behavior rating scales are often used as screening devices to obtain information on and help to identify individuals who may benefit from a more detailed assessment or who may be at risk for developing more serious problem and who may benefit from early interventions. Behavior Rating Scales are also used to monitor progress in treatment programs [1]. Behavior Rating Scales should never be utilized as the sole source of information for the purposes of diagnosis or classification of a specific educational or psychological problem.
Behavior Rating Scales are described as “narrow band” if designed to measure a specific behavior or attribute and “broad band” if designed to measure...
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References
Collett, B. B., Ohen, J. L., & Myers, K. M. (2003). Ten year review of rating scales. VI: Scales assessing externalizing behaviors. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(10), 1143–1170.
Floyd, R. G., & Bose, J. E. (2003). Behavior rating scales for assessment of emotional disturbance: A critical review of measurement characteristics. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 21(10), 43–78.
Hosp, J. L., Hosp, K. K., & Hosp, M. K. (2003). Characteristics of behavior rating scales; implications for practice in assessment and behavioral support. Journal of Positive Behavioral Interventions, 5(4), 201–209.
Merrell, K. (2007). Behavioral, social, and emotional assessment of children and adolescents (3rd ed.). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
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Walrath, R. (2011). Behavior Rating Scale. In: Goldstein, S., Naglieri, J.A. (eds) Encyclopedia of Child Behavior and Development. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_309
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-79061-9_309
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-77579-1
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