ABSTRACT
Learning about people by watching them behave is perhaps the oldest assessment tool in evaluating human behavior. Direct observation of humans in context allows an undiluted behavior sample untainted by verbiage, self-report social desirability, or purposeful distortions. However, as will be demonstrated, the behavior must be interpreted and rated within a context and within the theoretical bounds of an assessment model. The observer is provided a conceptual framework and specific behaviors to observe and rate. Thus, the observational rating is a product of the tool, so understanding the model and tool is a necessary step in choosing and using an assessment model.
