Measuring Oppositional and Aggressive Behaviour

Measuring oppositional and aggressive behaviour might seem simple since it is so obvious when it happens. However, the kind of instrument chosen to record it will strongly influence what is revealed, so several issues need to be considered to avoid false conclusions: Are girls really much less antisocial, or do they just express it differently? Why do parents' and teacher's accounts agree so poorly? Are there two different sets of children, ‘overt’ aggressors and ‘covert’ liars and stealers? Is the problem really hyperactivity? The relative merits of questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and direct observation to answer these questions are considered.