A person who is likeable or physically attractive may be rated more mature, intelligent, or adjusted than he or she actually is. If the conversation is informal and the interviewee determines what subjects are discussed. The interviewer obtains information by asking a series of planned questions. Direct Observation and Rating Scales . When used as an assessment procedure, direct observation is a simple extension of this natural interest in people watching.
Many people relish a chance to observe the behavior of others.
A format that limits the chance that some traits will be overlooked while others are exaggerated. Observers record how often various actions occur, not what traits they think a person has. Psychologists working with hospitalized mental patients may find it helpful to record the frequency of patients aggression, self-care, speech, and unusual behaviors. Behavioral assessments are not limited to visible behavior. They can also be helpful in probing thought processes.