ERIC Number: ED198178
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1981-Feb
Pages: 22
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Standardizing Behavioral Measurements Across Cultures and Time.
Pfau, Richard H.
Behavior can be described and measured in many ways. One approach in particular provides a potential for making precise and valid cross-cultural comparisons of behavior not equaled by other techniques. This approach is one in which low-inference observation instruments called "category systems" are used to measure behaviors observed. This paper: (1) summarizes why category systems appear to be suitable for comparing behaviors cross-culturally in standardized ways; (2) indicates how category systems and variations of these instruments have been used in the past by cross-cultural researchers and points out some accomplishments and limitations of past usage; (3) indicates procedures which can help to ensure that these instruments are used in standardized ways in future studies; and (4) indicates research needed to help investigators make more standardized measurements of behavior in different cultures and at different times. (Author/RL)
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Information Analyses; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A