Some rating scales are called numerical rating scales. Usually numerical rating scales are also constant alternatives type; however it is possible to change the alternatives and produce a numerical rating scale that is of the changing alternatives type. In using a numerical rating scale, the rater or observer simply checks or circles a number to indicate the degree to which a behavior is present or to indicate the degree of quality present in the behavior performance. Usually each of the numbers in the series is given a verbal description so that the rater is sure of the meanings of the numbers codes. Sometimes, however, the observer is merely informed that the highest numbers refers to a high rating, the lowest number refers to a low rating and the other numbers represent intermediate values. In the example on this page, role playing by young children.
Role Playing by Young Children
Date : …………………………………………….
Name : ………………………………………………
Observer : ………………………………………………
Directions : Indicate your rating of the child’s role playing behaviors by circling the number of your rating.
Key : 5= Excellent
1= very poor
N/O= no Opportunity to observe
| 1. | How does the child perform a role when he has had an opportunity to plan for it ahead of time ? | 1 2 3 4 5 N/O |
| 2. | How does the child perform a role when he has had no opportunity to plan for it ahead ? | 1 2 3 4 5 N/O |
| 3. | How well does the child use appropriate vocabulary for his role ? | 1 2 3 4 5 N/O |
| 4. | How well does the child use appropriate actions for his role ? | 1 2 3 4 5 N/O |
| 5. | How well does the child use appropriate props for his role ? | 1 2 3 4 5 N/O |
| 6. | How well does the child respond to the words and actions of the others involved in the role playing? | 1 2 3 4 5 N/O |
Comments :
Young children, only the end points of the scale have been described and the rater would have to use her own judgment about what constitutes the intermediate points. We will see that, often, describing only the end points of the scale is possible when developing a numerical scale or when developing some other type of descriptive rating scales – especially graphic rating scales.
Simple Graphic Rating Scales
A simple graphic scale is one in which a line is drawn and points along the line are identified. The rater is allowed to mark anywhere along the line, even between the points that have been identified. The graphic part of the simple graphic rating scale consists of a simple horizontal line.
Whenever the categories marked along the continuum or graph are the same for each behavior dimension, the rating scale – even though it is a graphic rating scale – would be called a constant alternatives type of rating scale.
Project Activities Rating Scale
Date : …………………………………………………
Name : ……………………………………………………………..
Observer : …………………………………………………………….
Description of Project Activity : ………………………………………………………………………………..
Directions : Place a check mark at any point along the line to indicate your judgment of the child’s performance on that item. If you have had insufficient opportunities to observe the child, circle N/O
1. Is the child prepared for the meetings of the group ?
2. Does the child show an interest in the project ?
3. Does the child participate in making plans for the next steps ?
4. Does the child cause other children to become interested in the project ?
5. Does the child engage in behaviors which disrupt the group activities ?
6. Does the child contribute ideas during group meeting ?
7. Does the child contribute materials during group meeting ?
8. Does the child exhibit any commitment to the project above and beyond the scheduled group activities ?
Comment :
Descriptive Graphic Rating Scale
A type of rating scale in which each of the degrees of quality or frequency are specially described in extensive behavioral terms is called specific descriptive rating scale. The results yielded through the use of the descriptive graphic rating scale are generally the most objective information available through the use of rating scale to record observations.
Sample items for descriptive graphic rating scales
Notes : Raters may mark anywhere along the line
To what extent is the child interested in books ?
( ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… )
Handles books Handles books Handles books very
Carelessly; never carefully ; is curious carefully ; knows
Chooses books during free sometimes choose activity engages in some free choice activity
To what extent is the child listen attentively ?
( ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… )
Never listen; looks around sits fairly still and listens is very attentive in listening
Get’s up and walks away when for at least 5 minutes
Someone talk to him
To what extent is the child
( ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… )
Never chooses art activities participates in most available enthusiastically
During free time art activities participates in all available art
activities
