Interpreting Observations

1. Interpreting Observations Josh Thompson http://faculty.tamu-commerce.edu/jthompson/

2. Look at the whole Look at the whole observation as a snapshot of the child in that moment. Interpreting Observations

3. Search for patterns Search throughout the observation for patterns Interpreting Observations

4. Inferences Establish how patterns and trends develop in an observation, then inferences can be made. Interpreting Observations

5. Inferences Inferences are statements considered to be true, based upon a foundation of previous statements considered to be true. Interpreting Observations

6. Conclusions Interpret the inferences Get to the whole point for making observations in the first place Draw/Make conclusions Interpreting Observations

7. Conclusions Look for the underlying meaning of what was observed. Interpreting Observations

8. Theories Relate the observed behavior to different theorists. Interpreting Observations

9. Theories Does this behavior fit into a larger pattern affecting the child’s development at this time? Interpreting Observations

10. Theories Is this behavior typical for a child at this age and at these stages of development? Interpreting Observations

11. Theories Is there a cultural explanation for the child’s behavior? Interpreting Observations

12. Validity To the degree that 1] the behavior is recorded objectively and accurately, and 2] inferences are made directly correlated to those recorded behaviors,then Interpreting Observations

13. Validity the more valid are the conclusions. Interpreting Observations

14. Interpreting Observational Data Josh Thompson http://faculty.tamu-commerce.edu/jthompson/