Which concept occurs when the behavior measured is the same as the behavior that is the focus of the investigation?

• A. Indirect Measurement
• B. Continuous Measurement
• C. Direct Measurement
• D. Informant Measurement

Answer: (C)

Direct measurement is when you record the actual behavior of interest as it occurs. This makes the data a true reflection of the target behavior, so you can count, time, or rate it accurately. For example, to study how often a student volunteers in class, you tally each hand-raise as it happens rather than relying on a teacher’s impression or a related outcome as a proxy. Indirect measurement uses a proxy or inference, informant measurement depends on someone else’s report, and continuous measurement refers to the data collection approach over time rather than whether the data reflect the exact behavior.