Which concept occurs when the behavior measured is the same as the behavior that is the focus of the investigation?

Which concept occurs when the behavior measured is the same as the behavior that is the focus of the investigation?

• A. Indirect Measurement
• B. Continuous Measurement
• C. Direct Measurement
• D. Informant Measurement

Answer: (C)

Direct measurement is when you record the actual behavior of interest as it occurs. This makes the data a true reflection of the target behavior, so you can count, time, or rate it accurately. For example, to study how often a student volunteers in class, you tally each hand-raise as it happens rather than relying on a teacher’s impression or a related outcome as a proxy. Indirect measurement uses a proxy or inference, informant measurement depends on someone else’s report, and continuous measurement refers to the data collection approach over time rather than whether the data reflect the exact behavior.

Direct measurement is when you record the actual behavior of interest as it occurs. This makes the data a true reflection of the target behavior, so you can count, time, or rate it accurately. For example, to study how often a student volunteers in class, you tally each hand-raise as it happens rather than relying on a teacher’s impression or a related outcome as a proxy. Indirect measurement uses a proxy or inference, informant measurement depends on someone else’s report, and continuous measurement refers to the data collection approach over time rather than whether the data reflect the exact behavior.