Applied Behavior Analysis Measurement and Data Collection 1 Flashcards

Whole interval recording tends to __________ the occurrence of a behavior compared to its true rate.

Answer: Underestimate, because the behavior must occur throughout the entire interval to be scored

Whole interval recording requires the behavior to be present for the full duration of an interval before it is scored as an occurrence. If the behavior happens for only part of the interval it is not counted, producing a systematic underestimate of how often the behavior actually occurs.

A behavior analyst records whether a student is on-task only at the exact moment a timer beeps every 30 seconds. This measurement procedure is called:

Answer: Momentary time sampling

Momentary time sampling involves observing and recording whether the behavior is occurring at a precise, pre-set moment rather than throughout an interval. It provides an estimate of behavior occurrence without requiring continuous observation, making it practical for busy practitioners.

A student emits 12 self-stimulatory behaviors during a 20-minute recess session and 12 during a 40-minute classroom session. Which dimension of behavior best allows a fair comparison between these two observations?

Answer: Rate

Rate (responses per unit of time, e.g., per minute) standardizes count data across sessions of different lengths. Raw frequency counts are misleading when observation periods differ; dividing the count by session duration yields a comparable measure across sessions.

Which data collection method is most appropriate for measuring a behavior that leaves a tangible, lasting product after it occurs?

Answer: Permanent product recording

Permanent product recording measures the physical outcome or byproduct of behavior (e.g., completed worksheets, assembled objects, broken items) rather than the behavior itself. Because the product persists after the behavior ends, direct observation during performance is not required.

Why is interval-by-interval IOA (also called scored-interval IOA) considered more rigorous than total-count IOA?

Answer: It compares agreement on each individual interval, capturing both occurrence and non-occurrence agreement

Total-count IOA compares only the overall totals between observers, which can mask disagreements within the session (e.g., one observer records behavior in the first half, the other in the second half, yet totals match). Interval-by-interval IOA checks agreement on every interval independently, making it sensitive to both when behavior was and was not recorded.

Inter-response time (IRT) is defined as the elapsed time between:

Answer: The offset of one response and the onset of the next response

IRT measures the duration of the pause between consecutive responses — from when one response ends to when the next begins. It is useful for analyzing response pacing, identifying patterns such as post-reinforcement pauses, and distinguishing it from latency (SD to response onset) or duration (within a single response).