What measurement was used in the Saavedra study to gauge the boy's distress?

The Saavedra study measured the boy's distress through a subjective rating scale. This method is effective in capturing the individual's own perceptions and feelings about their distress. In the context of the study, the use of a subjective rating scale allowed the researchers to gather direct insights into the boy's emotional state and how he experienced his phobia. This approach is valuable in psychological research, particularly when examining mental and emotional responses, as it considers the subjective nature of experiences.

Using a subjective measure is particularly relevant for studies focusing on feelings or psychological distress, as it provides nuanced data that might not be captured through more objective methods. In contrast, other options such as physiological responses would focus on measurable bodily reactions rather than personal feelings, behavioral checklists would rely on observable actions rather than internal experiences, and a teacher's evaluation might be more reflective of academic or social behavior rather than personal distress. Thus, the subjective rating scale aligns closely with the nature of the research and the specific phenomena being studied.