Methodology and Cognitive—Behavioral Assessment

Abstract

In the most recent edition of the Annual Review of Behavior Therapy (Franks et al. , 1982) the point is made that behavioral assessment has moved simultaneously in two different directions. In one direction we see the heartland of assessment being entered via a more basic concern with the reliability and validity of behavioral assessment procedures. In the other direction we observe behavioral assessment to be taking a wider cut, expanding into the arena of cognitive-behavioral assessment. While the reasons for the reliability and validity studies may be apparent (i.e. to assure psychometric credibility), some have questioned the soundness and legitimacy of our excursion into the “mind”.