1. Erica Myers, Christopher Denning, Tina Stanton-Chapman,Ph.D
Handheld Computer System for Collecting Real time Observational Data of Young Children
Erica Myers, Christopher Denning, Tina Stanton-Chapman,Ph.D

2. Purpose of Observation
Why does one observe behavior?
complement standardized assessments
IQ tests, personality tests,behavior scales
What are the types of observation?
Video vs. Live
What does one observe?
interactions

3. Technology Components of Observation
Handheld devices
Concision
Reliable
Mooses Program
Allows for easy and quick notation of observation in time increments

4. Handheld Computer
MiniMoose 3.0.5

5. Play Code
Event-positive/negative measures of autonomous behaviors or aggression while playing
Duration-codes used to specify play behaviors of children
For Event Codes
Child Initiated- (CI) Target Child Initiated Play/Positive Peer Response
( CN) Target Child Initiated Play/Negative Peer Response.
Peer Initiated-(PI) Peer Initiated Play Positive- Target Positive Response
(PN)- Peer Initiated Play Positive- Target- Negative Response.
Aggression- CA- Target Child Aggression to peer- (PA)
Peer Aggression to Target-
AA- Adult Directed Aggression-
DB- Disruptive Behavior
Durational Measures
Code
Interacting with Teachers IT
On- Task/ Off-Task Behavior IN FD
Play Behaviors
Solitary Play/Alone UN
SPC
SPF ON PP
Interacting with Peers AP
CPE
CPU
Other Behaviors XX

6. Participants Children enrolled in Head Start Programs 4 years of age
Children have language delays and problem behavior
Internalizing
Externalizing
Internalizing: withdrawn, depressed, inhibited behaviors
Externalizing: aggression, delinquency, antisocial behavior

7. Reliability
Before one is eligible for coding, one must be properly trained
All coders must have a reliability of a minimum of 80% on four consecutive play sessions
Consistency on behavioral definitions and play sessions is essential

8. Video clip

9. Handheld Computer Notation for Video Clip
Start
FollowDir
EqCoop

10. Mini Moose Text File for Video Clip
Events
07/14/08 7:00pm
IT,0
FD,0
AP,0
XX,0
FD,12
CPE,12
IN,14
FD,27
IN,28
PP,29
FD,42
PP,43
FD,57
PP,57
-500,60

11. Thanks My mentor (Tina) and co-mentor (Chris) SURP- UVA
The Leadership Alliance