1. Observation

2. Defining Behavior page 192 • Topography • Function • Characteristics • Duration • Latency • Frequency • Amplitude

3. Duration • Length of time a behavior lasts • Total Duration: Divide total occurrence by the length of the observation. Example in a 30 minute observation is the student is out of seat for 16 minutes then total occurrence is 16/30=.53

4. Latency • Length of time between signal to perform and beginning of the behavior • Behavior must have a discrete beginning • Situations for using

5. Frequency • How often behaviors occur • Calculate as rate: 3 episodes in 15 min • When not to use: • High occurrence behaviors • Behavior occurs over prolonged period of time.

6. Amplitude • How intense is the behavior • Objective vs. subjective descriptions of amplitude • Example: • whimpering, • sobbing, • crying, • screaming

7. Discussion & Examples • Selecting characteristic • Context for behavior • Comparison with peers • Time sampling

8. Whole - interval recording • Observation period is divided into intervals. • Behavior is scored if it occurs throughout the whole interval

9. Partial - interval recording • Observation session divided into intervals • Behavior is scored if it occurs any time during that interval.

10. Momentary Time Sampling • Observation session divided into intervals. • Behavior is scored if it occurs at the last moment of that interval.

11. Continuous Time Sampling • Most accurate way to estimate frequency • Continuous recording for shorter observation sessions.