Structure and convergent validity of children’s temperament traits as assessed by experimenter ratings of child behavior

• The results support a three-factor model of temperament (PE, NE, and EC).
• Experimenter ratings completed after a lab visit are a valid method of assessment.
• Experimenter ratings are an economical proxy for objective coding of child behavior.

The structure of child temperament traits has been explored primarily using informant report. Less is known about temperament structure assessed by alternative methods, such as laboratory assessments. We report on the structure of child traits assessed by experimenter ratings of child behavior during laboratory tasks, and their convergent and discriminant validity with objectively coded and parent reported child traits. The results indicate a three-factor solution (Positive Emotionality, Negative Emotionality, and Effortful Control) fit the data best, with convergent and discriminant validity between experimenter ratings and objective coding of child behavior and parent report. The results suggest that experimenter ratings conducted after a laboratory visit provides an efficient and economical alternative or adjunct to conducting objective coding of the laboratory tasks.