*Behavior Patterns; Behavior Rating Scales; *Child

The methodology discussed is used in ongoing research to contrast the effectiveness of several patterns of parental authority with the same children at different ages. The first characteristic of these methods is the use of trait and behavior ratings to assess dispositional tendencies. The construct of a dispositional trait is used to account for continuity and stability within the personality. Situation, particularly a laboratory setting, can strongly affect behavior, but the extent to which an individual's behavior is situation-specific is itself a dispositional property. The validity of ratings partly depends upon the observer's ability to project himself into the position of the subject. The second characteristic of this methodology is the use of multiple stimuli and behavior settings. The three measures used here are self-report, interview and observation. Self-report avoids the problem of Observer reactivity, but not of response set. Interview is useful i