Ecological Assessment
Definition
An assessment that examines the person's whole environment — physical settings, schedules, people, expectations and available reinforcers — across the places they spend time, rather than a single behavior in a single setting. It tends to reveal mismatches between demands and skills that a narrower assessment would miss.
In plain language
Looking at the person's whole day and all their settings, not just one behavior in one place. It finds mismatches between what is expected and what the person can do.
Example
An analyst visits home, school and the after-school program to see how routines, demands and available activities differ.
Not ecological assessment
A functional analysis of one behavior in a clinic room. That is narrow by design.
See also
Written from
- bijou-peterson-ault-1968
Written from Bijou, Peterson and Ault (1968) and general assessment practice. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.