2 Measurement and Data Collection Free Online FlashCards

What is an operational definition?

An observable, measurable description that lets different observers identify and record the behavior consistently, including what counts as an occurrence.

How can session notes avoid subjective interpretation?

Describe directly observed actions and events. For example, report that the learner pushed a box after a direction rather than labeling the learner defiant.

What does frequency measure?

Frequency is the number of occurrences of a behavior during an observation.

How is behavior rate calculated?

Rate is occurrences divided by observation time: $\text{rate} = \frac{\text{occurrences}}{\text{observation time}}$.

What does latency measure?

Latency is the time from a specified event, such as an instruction, to the start of the response.

What is interresponse time (IRT)?

Interresponse time (IRT) is the time between successive occurrences of a behavior.

What does duration measure, and how is mean duration found?

Duration measures how long behavior lasts. Mean duration is total duration divided by the number of episodes.

When is an interval scored in partial-interval recording?

Mark an interval if the behavior occurs at any time during it, even briefly. This method tends to overestimate how much behavior occurred.

When is an interval scored in whole-interval recording?

Mark an interval only when the behavior occurs throughout the entire interval. This method tends to underestimate how much behavior occurred.

What does momentary time sampling record?

At a specified moment, often the end of each interval, record whether the behavior is happening. The result estimates sampled moments, not total duration or occurrence count.

What is permanent-product recording?

It measures a lasting result, such as correctly completed worksheet items, rather than observing behavior as it happens. Use it only when the target behavior reliably produces that result.

What does ABC recording document, and what can one observation establish?

ABC recording documents the antecedent (immediately before), observable behavior, and consequence (immediately after). A single observation does not establish why behavior occurred.