| In the original New York
Longitudinal Study, temperament was assessed by interviewing the
parent. Descriptions of the infant or child were coded by a trained
researcher and scored for each of the nine categories. Interviews
could be individualized to fit each family situation, but took
over an hour to complete and then had to be scored by hand.
Later, more time-efficient questionnaires were developed by
Carey and associates that measured the same temperamental characteristics
as the NYLS. These questionnaires were normed and took just
15-20 minutes to complete and about 10-15 minutes to score.
In the mid-90's software was developed to scores the questionnaires
and reduced scoring time to 2-3 minutes. Software could also
perform statistical calculations instantly that would take hours
to do by hand, allowing more specific comparisons to be made,
such as using standard scores and doing validity checks.
Researchers have also developed other questionnaires and observational
techniques designed to measure temperamental characteristics.
Research questionnaires have measured 'basic' temperament dimensions
such as sociability and emotionality, rather than the practical
ones selected by the NYLS research program. Observational measures
of temperament are often employed in laboratory settings. Usually
these involve videotaping responses to "challenges' presented
to the infant or child. Observations over a number of situations
are added together to achieve a reliable 'view ' of the temperamental
characteristic being measured.
Studies have shown moderate levels of agreement amongst the
three measurement methods: interview, questionnaire and observation.
Each method has its own advantages and drawbacks. Today the
questionnaire is the method used for practice since it is the
least expensive and most time efficient for professionals to
use. A complete assessment of temperament by the professional
involves a combination of interview, direct observation of the
person and the use of a standardized questionnaire. By putting
together the information from all three sources (observation,
interview and questionnaire) a valid profile of the temperamental
characteristics can nearly always be developed and used to help
the person deepen their understanding of their own or their
child's individuality and behavior. Using temperament-based
descriptions, a common frame of reference can be developed between
the person and professional, improving understanding and increasing
"goodness of fit.
Professionals may obtain the materials needed for
using temperament questionnaires with infants, children and
adults by visiting the catalogues at the b-di.com catalogue
link.
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