ClassMetric

Discontinuous measurement in ABA

Lesson 6 of 36 in RBT Exam Prep. The start plays free here.

Start the free 25-question check
RBT Exam PrepInterval recording and time sampling: which way each one errs
From watching behavior to the number in the record
  1. Continuous: every event
  2. Intervals: % scored
  3. Accurate client data
Sampling behavior
  1. Discontinuous: a sample
  2. Partial: any time → overestimates
  3. Whole: entire interval → underestimates
  4. Momentary: at end → either direction
 Every occurrenceSome data systems record every occurrence: each instance, or the seconds each one lasts.The summaryWith interval methods, you give each interval a score.Why it mattersThat percentage becomes your client's data, and RBTs must complete client data accurately.A sampleYou score behavior by intervals during a session.

How the lesson starts

Every occurrence

Some data systems record every occurrence: each instance, or the seconds each one lasts. That's called continuous measurement. Interval methods work differently.

The summary

With interval methods, you give each interval a score. Your result is the percentage of intervals in which the behavior was scored.

Why it matters

That percentage becomes your client's data, and RBTs must complete client data accurately. So you need to know which way each method can push the number.

A sample

You score behavior by intervals during a session. With discontinuous measurement, you capture only a sample of behavior, not everything that happens.

Then, in the full lesson

  • Any time
  • Entire interval
  • At the end
  • 2 questions along the way

A question from this lesson

A client briefly claps, then stops before the interval ends. You score an occurrence because clapping happened during the interval. Which procedure are you using?

  1. Momentary time sampling
  2. Partial-interval recording
  3. Whole-interval recording
Show the answer

B. Partial-interval recording. Partial-interval recording counts behavior at any time during the interval. Whole-interval recording requires behavior throughout. Momentary time sampling requires behavior at the interval's end.

The full class, $29 once.

Paid once, no subscription. Ask for a refund within 7 days of buying if you’ve done less than 25% of the class.

  • All 43 outline tasks
  • 85 questions, 90 minutes
  • Explains each wrong answer
Start the free 25-question check

Passing isn’t guaranteed. Not affiliated with the BACB. Questions are original, written to the published outline.

Keep going

All lessons in Data Collection and Graphing →RBT Exam Prep: the whole lesson plan →

Save your progressA free account. Your lessons follow you to the app.
RBT Exam PrepPaid once, no subscription. Ask for a refund within 7 days of buying if you’ve done less than 25% of the class.$29
or pay with card

Payments by Stripe