ABA Data Collection Overview

Types of Data Collection

• Three main methods: Frequency, Interval, Duration.
• Choice of method depends on required information and available resources.

Event Recording

• Involves counting occurrences of a behavior.
• Requires tallying each instance during a specified observation period, like a 30-minute session.
• Aims to modify behaviors by providing clear start and end points for observation.

Interval Recording

• Suitable for continuously occurring behaviors, categorized into short time intervals (10 seconds to 1 minute).
• Data recorded as "+" if behavior occurs and "-" if it does not.

Duration Recording

• Measures the total length of time a student engages in a specific behavior.
• Timing starts when the behavior begins and stops once it finishes.

Time Sampling

• Involves observing the student only at designated time intervals.
• Behavior is recorded at the end of each interval, noting if it occurs at that moment.

Latency Recording

• Focuses on measuring the time taken to initiate a behavior after a directive is given.
• Requires noting when the instruction is provided and when the student starts the response.

Baseline Data

• Collected prior to any interventions to track behavior frequency and establish a comparison point.

Purpose of Data Collection on Behavior

• Helps identify patterns and reasons behind behavior occurrences.
• Assists in evaluating the effectiveness of support programs.

Importance of Graphing Data

• Graphs visually represent behavior changes over time, indicating whether behaviors are improving, worsening, or remaining constant.

Line Graph

• Utilizes points connected by lines to show trends in behavior over time.

Bar Graph

• Displays data using bars to compare different categories or time periods.

Line Graph Components

• Bottom X Axis: Represents the time period during which data was collected.
• Side Y Axis: Summarizes behavior frequency or count of occurrences.
• Data Points: Each represents behavior summary, connected to illustrate changes over time.

Graphing Reasons

• Facilitates understanding of behavior frequency trends over time and provides clear visual information on target behaviors.

Basic Graphing Rule

• At least three data points are necessary to establish a trend in behavior increase or decrease.

Graphing Data Conversion

• Raw data must be converted into usable formats like percentages, number of correct responses, or rates.

Percentage Calculation

• Formula: Correct responses ÷ Total responses × 100.
• Example: 20 correct out of 40 possible = 50% correct.

Rate Calculation

• Formula: Correct responses ÷ Response time.
• Example: 20 correct responses in 30 minutes = 0.7 correct/minute.

Baseline Data Collection

• Measure behavior of interest several times before intervention begins.
• Essential for evaluating treatment needs and setting reasonable objectives.

Reasons for Baseline Data

• To identify a need for treatment.
• To compare against future progress during interventions.
• To establish realistic treatment goals.

Baseline Data Variability

• Human behavior often exhibits variability; multiple data points capture this characteristic.

Baseline Patterns

• Consistent results for recorded behavior indicate a stable pattern, such as a constant rate of specific behaviors occurring.