When conducting observations, what is crucial to ensure accuracy?

Recording immediately after the behavior occurs is crucial for ensuring accuracy in observations because it helps to capture the details while they are still fresh in the observer's mind. Observations can be influenced by memory distortions or biases if there is a significant delay in documenting what was witnessed. By recording right after the behavior, the observer can note specific actions, language, and context that might otherwise be forgotten or altered over time.

This immediacy aids in providing a more reliable record, which is essential for making informed assessments of a child’s development, behavior, or learning strategies. Accurate and timely documentation supports reflective practices and enables educators to track changes or patterns over time more effectively. Without this prompt recording, even skilled observers may unintentionally introduce inaccuracies based on recollection alone.