4 Behavioral Data Interpretation and Practice Free Online FlashCards

What does frequency measure?

Frequency is the number of times a behavior occurs, reported as a count.

What does duration measure?

Duration measures how long behavior lasts. Add episode lengths for total duration; divide by the number of episodes for mean duration.

What does latency measure?

Latency is the time between a cue and the beginning of the behavior.

When is a partial interval scored?

In partial-interval recording, score an interval if the behavior occurs at any time during it.

When is a whole interval scored?

In whole-interval recording, score an interval only if the behavior continues for the entire interval.

How do partial- and whole-interval estimates tend to differ?

Partial-interval recording tends to overestimate time engaged, while whole-interval recording tends to underestimate it.

What does momentary time sampling record?

Momentary time sampling records whether the behavior is occurring at a specified instant.

How should you choose a behavioral measure?

Use count or rate for discrete events, duration for time spent in behavior, latency for delay after a cue, and interval recording when continuous observation is impractical.

What does an interval percentage not tell you exactly?

An interval percentage is the share of intervals meeting a scoring rule, not the exact percentage of the session spent in behavior.

What should a session-by-session graph show?

Put session or date on the horizontal axis and the measured value on the vertical axis. Label both axes, including units, and use a consistent scale.

What are trend and variability in a data series?

Trend is the overall direction of change; variability is how much values fluctuate. Interpret both across the full sequence rather than relying on one point.

What should you check before comparing data across phases?

Before comparing phases, check that behavior definitions, measurement methods, observation contexts, and opportunities to respond are sufficiently alike.