The degree to which observations consistently describe a preschooler's characteristic social behavior was investigated. Mine comprehensive observations were conducted of preschoolers in free play settings. Observed categories of social behaviors were based on the work of Strain (1983, 1985). Comparison of partial and complete observational records demonstrated that at least 5 observations were required to represent the children's social behavior adequately. Implications are discussed for the assessment of young children's social behavior.
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