Behavior Measurement Techniques

Continuous Measurement Procedures

Frequency refers to the simple count of behavior instances, shown as tallies or numbers (e.g., "John hit another student 5 times").
Rate combines frequency with a time element, providing a more contextual measure (e.g., "John hits at the rate of 5 times per hour").
Duration tracks how long a behavior occurs, typically averaged over time, appropriate for long-lasting behaviors (e.g., tantrums, social play).
Inter-Response Time (IRT) measures the time between responses, averaged for analysis, useful for understanding response patterns (e.g., time between math problems).
Latency is the time from a prompt until the behavior begins; recorded by timing the interval from the prompt to response (e.g., time taken to get dressed after being prompted).
Discontinuous Measurement Procedures involve sampling behaviors rather than continuous tracking, suitable for situations where continuous data collection is impractical.
Partial Interval Recording marks intervals based on the presence or absence of a behavior during brief time slots; it may overestimate behavior occurrence (e.g., vocal stereotypy).
Whole Interval Recording tracks behaviors if they occur throughout the entire interval, potentially underestimating frequency if the behavior stops (e.g., cooperative play).
Momentary Time Sampling notes the presence or absence of a behavior at the end of each interval; it's easy to implement for multiple clients but offers minimal information.
Permanent Product Procedures focus on the end results of behaviors rather than the behaviors themselves, allowing for later assessment (e.g., counting completed worksheet problems).

Data Entry and Graphing

Entering and updating data is a critical responsibility for RBTs, requiring adherence to supervisor guidelines for accuracy and method.
Data summarization techniques include calculating frequency as rate, total duration over sessions, average IRT, average latency to response, and percentage of intervals with occurrences.

Graphing Rules

The horizontal axis should represent sessions or days; the vertical axis should indicate the type of measurement.
Each session’s data point must be plotted, with solid lines connecting points within the same phase and vertical lines separating different treatment phases.
Different symbols can be utilized for various behaviors depicted on the same graph, supplemented with a legend for clarity.

Operational Definitions

Operational definitions specify behaviors in observable terms, ensuring clarity so others can accurately collect data.
Definitions must be objective, clear (unambiguous), complete, and individualized to account for variations among individuals.

Preference Assessments

Preference Assessment identifies stimuli that may enhance behavior when presented as rewards, done at various stages of therapy.
Free Operant Preference Assessment involves observing items the client engages with, ranking them by time spent without therapist interaction.
Single Item Preference Assessment presents items one at a time, noting responses to gauge interest level.
Paired Choice Preference Assessment provides two items for forced choice, revealing stronger reinforcers based on selections.
Multiple Stimulus Assessments can be conducted with or without replacement to observe item preferences, with limitations on the number of items presented.

Skill Assessments

Skills assessments evaluate a client’s abilities in various domains, such as social skills, language, and daily living skills.
Common tools used include verbal behavior assessments, assessment of basic language skills, and adaptive behavior scales.

Function-Based Assessments

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) identifies the reasons behind maladaptive behaviors, involving indirect and direct procedures to gather data.
Indirect FBA Procedures encompass record reviews and interviews, with minimal client contact, focusing on caregiver information.
Direct FBA Procedures require observing the client to collect specific behavioral data, such as IRT and latency, to establish baselines.
ABC Recording captures the antecedent (what occurs before a behavior), the behavior itself, and the consequence (what follows the behavior).