Which of the following is NOT an indirect behavior assessment?

• A. Peer ratings
• B. Direct observation
• C. Functional assessment interviews
• D. Rating scales completed by teachers

Answer: (B)

Direct observation is a direct method because you watch the behavior as it occurs and record it in real time using objective measures like frequency, duration, or intensity. Indirect assessments gather information without observing the behavior directly, relying on reports from others or retrospective recall. For example, peers rating a student’s behavior reflects others’ judgments rather than firsthand observation; functional assessment interviews collect information from teachers, parents, or the student about circumstances that precede or follow the behavior; rating scales completed by teachers rely on their perceptions of past behavior rather than watching it happen. Therefore, direct observation is not indirect. It provides real-time, observable data about the behavior, whereas the others depend on secondhand information.