What type of variable is being measured when a researcher records the number of instances of physical or verbal attacks in children?

The situation described involves a researcher recording the number of instances of physical or verbal attacks in children, which falls under observational measures. This type of measurement involves systematically recording behaviors or events as they naturally occur, without manipulation or intervention from the researcher.

Observational measures are often used in fields such as psychology to assess behaviors in real time, allowing researchers to gather in-depth information about actions and interactions in natural settings. In this case, the researcher is directly noting the occurrences of attacks, demonstrating a clear approach where the focus is on observing and recording behavior as it happens.

The other types of measures identified in the choices, such as qualitative, experimental, and survey measures, do not accurately fit the context of the question. Qualitative measures often focus on descriptive data rather than quantifiable instances, experimental measures involve manipulating variables to determine cause and effect, and survey measures typically involve self-reported data from individuals rather than direct observations of behavior. Hence, observational measures are the most appropriate classification for the scenario presented.