Oklahoma State Assessment Test (OSAT) Early Childhood Education Practice Test

Which method of assessment is used when the teacher observes how often a child engages in specific behaviors?

1. Event sampling

2. Running record

3. Time sampling

4. Rating scale

The correct answer is: Event sampling

The method of assessment that involves observing how often a child engages in specific behaviors is event sampling. This approach is particularly useful in early childhood education as it allows teachers to focus on particular behaviors or events of interest during a set observation period. By noting the occurrences of these behaviors, educators can gather data on child interactions, social skills, or any other targeted activities, which facilitates a deeper understanding of each child's development, learning patterns, and needs. Event sampling is distinct because it focuses specifically on the frequency of predetermined behaviors, unlike other assessment methods. For example, time sampling records behaviors at specific intervals but does not focus solely on a particular event or behavior. A running record provides a detailed narrative of everything a child does during a specific time frame without quantifying behaviors or focusing on specific events. Lastly, a rating scale is used to evaluate behaviors based on a set of criteria but lacks the observational focus that event sampling offers.