What are formal methods of observation in child development typically associated with?

Formal methods of observation in child development are typically associated with standardized tests. These tests are structured tools designed to assess specific skills, knowledge, or developmental milestones in a consistent manner across different children. Standardized tests use established protocols to ensure that the assessment conditions are the same for all participants, allowing for reliable comparisons and measurements of children’s abilities.

Such tests can provide quantifiable data that can be analyzed statistically, making them valuable for both educators and researchers in understanding child development patterns. They often have established norms that help educators and caregivers understand how a child's performance compares to a larger population.

In contrast, anecdotal records and informal assessments offer more subjective insights into a child's behavior and development without the rigor and structure of standardized measurements. While parent interviews can provide valuable context, they do not constitute a formal observation method as they rely more on reported information rather than direct measurement or assessment.