What type of assessment involves direct observation of an individual’s behaviors?

Behavioral observations are a type of assessment that focuses on the direct observation of an individual's behaviors in real-time or structured situations. This method allows the observer to gather data on how a person acts in various circumstances, providing insight into their functioning, social interactions, and responses to different stimuli. Observers can be either professionals trained in psychological assessment or trained individuals who note and record behaviors systematically.

In contrast, clinical interviews rely on verbal communication and self-disclosure, requiring individuals to articulate their feelings and experiences rather than being observed. Projective tests, such as the Rorschach inkblot test, involve interpreting ambiguous stimuli, which can reveal underlying thoughts and emotions but do not provide direct behavioral data. Self-report inventories ask individuals to reflect on their own thoughts and behaviors, which are subjective and may not always accurately reflect actual behavior. Thus, behavioral observations stand out as the method that directly captures observable actions.