Assessing change in behavior in the cognitive and affective domains calls for different types of evaluation instruments. In the cognitive domain, rating scales are commonly used to assess knowledge or skill change. Rating scales are often surveys or questionnaires, and often use Likert-type response scales with numerals one through five or six. Only one concept or construct should appear on the stem item or question. That is, do not assess the respondent's perception of two different skills or behaviors on one stem item.

Observation to assess the frequency and the presence of a learned behavior is another valuable evaluation method. Some argue that the presence of observers contaminates or influences the observed behavior. When trained observers are included, when the observation instrument is valid and reliable, the results of the observations can be used to make sound evaluation decisions. An observation instrument should be designed by the instructor and a panel of experts on the behaviors to be observed. It is important that the panel be knowledgeable and adept in the practical applications of the stated objectives.