ERIC Number: ED097299
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1973-Feb-19
Pages: 72
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
A Factor Analysis of Selected Classroom Observation Systems. Final Report.
Samph, Thomas; White, Sally A.
The specific purposes of this study were to identify new and unique dimensions of teaching and to identify the commonalities of several existing classroom observation systems. The objectives or anticipated outcomes were to: (a) increase interpretation and cross validation of research using different observation systems and more efficient utilization of results of studies using existing systems, (b) reduce the proliferation of overlapping and redundant observation systems, (c) identify a resultant unified or multidimensional category system, and (d) demonstrate the feasibility of engaging in additional factor analytic examinations of other behavioral category systems. Nine systems were selected for factor analysis: Aschner/Gallagher; Flanders; Gallagher; Hough; Medley; Simon/Agazarian; Ober; Schalock; and Withall/Lewis/Newell. Coders trained in the use of these systems were provided with tapes of science lessons for coding in their system. Coders were also asked to make arrangements for key punching and analyzing their own data and to calculate and define those variables that are frequently employed by users of their system. The individual variables for each observation system were factor analyzed. This process provided a list of factor scores for use in a second order factor analysis. The results of the study show that there is a great deal of overlap among the observation systems studied. Appendixes include descriptions of each of the observation systems and instructions to coders. A 50-item bibliography is included. (HMD)
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: National Inst. of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.; Office of Education (DHEW), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: Syracuse Univ., NY.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A