ABA Exam CoachLessons · C. Measurement, Data Display, and Interpretation
C.6 · Interval recording and time sampling
You can't watch a client every second of every session, and that's fine! Interval recording and time sampling let you estimate behavior without catching every response, but each method's errors lean in a predictable direction. Let's learn which way each one leans.
Key takeaway
Discontinuous measures give estimates, not true counts or durations. Partial-interval recording tends to overestimate duration, so it's a conservative choice for behaviors you want to decrease. Whole-interval recording tends to underestimate, so it suits behaviors you want to increase. Momentary time sampling can be off in either direction and often misses brief responses. Always report the result as a percentage of intervals, not as a count, rate, or duration.
Discontinuous measures give estimates, not true counts or durations. Partial-interval recording tends to overestimate duration, so it's a conservative choice for behaviors you want to decrease. Whole-interval recording tends to underestimate, so it suits behaviors you want to increase. Momentary time sampling can be off in either direction and often misses brief responses. Always report the result as a percentage of intervals, not as a count, rate, or duration.
Members get the full lesson video, notes and a 5-question test
The video walks through the idea, worked examples, the trap people fall into and an exam-style question. The notes and the checkpoint come with it, and your results feed your Where to focus plan.