Interpreting
Observations
Josh Thompson
http://faculty.tamucommerce.edu/jthompson/
Look at the whole
Look at the whole
observation as a snapshot
of the child in that
moment.
Interpreting Observations
2
Search for patterns
Search throughout the
observation for patterns
Interpreting Observations
3
Inferences
Establish how patterns
and trends develop in
an observation, then
inferences can be
made.
Interpreting Observations
4
Inferences
Inferences are statements
considered to be true,
based upon a foundation
of previous statements
considered to be true.
Interpreting Observations
5
Conclusions
Interpret the inferences
Get to the whole point for
making observations in
the first place
Draw/Make conclusions
Interpreting Observations
6
Conclusions
Look for the underlying
meaning of what was
observed.
Interpreting Observations
7
Theories
Relate the observed
behavior to different
theorists.
Interpreting Observations
8
Theories
Does this behavior fit into a
larger pattern affecting
the child’s development at
this time?
Interpreting Observations
9
Theories
Is this behavior typical for a
child at this age and at
these stages of
development?
Interpreting Observations
10
Theories
Is there a cultural
explanation for the child’s
behavior?
Interpreting Observations
11
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
12
Validity
the more valid are the
conclusions.
Interpreting Observations
13
Interpreting
Observational
Data
Josh Thompson
http://faculty.tamucommerce.edu/jthompson/