Which statement is an objective description of behavior?

Which statement is an objective description of behavior?

• A. Quincy kicked Adam today.
• B. Quincy kicked Adam today because he wanted the truck Adam had.
• C. Quincy banged blocks loudly in the corner.
• D. Quincy smiled as he played with blocks.

Answer: (C)

Objective descriptions state what a person does that can be observed or measured, without guessing feelings, thoughts, or motives. The best choice does just that: it names a concrete action (banging blocks) and adds observable details (loudly, in the corner) so anyone watching could verify exactly what happened. It describes the behavior itself without implying why it occurred, what the child feels, or what the outcome was. The other options introduce elements that go beyond a pure, observable act: one mentions kicking another person, which can invite interpretation about aggression or intent; another implies an emotional state by noting a smile, which involves internal feelings; and another offers a reason for the behavior (because he wanted the truck), which is an inferred motive rather than a directly observable act.

Objective descriptions state what a person does that can be observed or measured, without guessing feelings, thoughts, or motives. The best choice does just that: it names a concrete action (banging blocks) and adds observable details (loudly, in the corner) so anyone watching could verify exactly what happened. It describes the behavior itself without implying why it occurred, what the child feels, or what the outcome was.

The other options introduce elements that go beyond a pure, observable act: one mentions kicking another person, which can invite interpretation about aggression or intent; another implies an emotional state by noting a smile, which involves internal feelings; and another offers a reason for the behavior (because he wanted the truck), which is an inferred motive rather than a directly observable act.