Behavioral Observations (Event/Interval)

Event-Based Recording

Event-based systems are based on the simple premise that behavior signals the observer to record. Six methods of event-based recording are used, and each involves constant observation and provides a relatively direct measure of observed behavior. All event-based methods require a concrete operational definition of the target behavior, a clearly defined time and location for observation, and constant attention by the observer. The metric by which event-based recording is summarized varies by method.

Frequency Recording. Known as the tally method, frequency recording is the most direct measurement system, involving simple counts of behavior during a specified period. The metric with this method is either number of occurrences (e.g., 5 verbalizations, 10 hand raises) or, when observation time is recorded, rate (e.g., 4 verbalizations per hour, 2 hand raises per period). Frequency recording requires the observer to record the start time, observe and count behaviors, record the stop time, and count tallies (optional conversion to rate by dividing total tallies by elapsed time). Frequency recording should be considered when exact counts of behavior are desired and the observer has sufficient time to watch and tally behavior constantly during the observation period.

Example: Staff and students are complaining that Jimmy is crying too much on the playground. Principal Miller wants to know just how many crying episodes Jimmy has in a day. Frequency recording is indicated because the principal has asked to know the number of times the behavior occurs. Those who supervise Jimmy each day simply count the number of crying episodes they see, add up all the tallies, and get a number per day (e.g., on average, Jimmy cries 5 times per day).

Permanent Product. Permanent product involves the same steps as frequency recording (record start and stop times, count behavior) but without requiring constant attention from the observer. In this method, [Page 1195]permanent products of behavior, such as written math problems, vocabulary worksheets, or audio and video recordings are gathered and used to record behavior after it has occurred. The observer collects the product and makes counts of behavior on observation. The metric is similar to frequency recording but also can be converted to more typical teaching measures, such as number completed correctly or percent of accuracy. Permanent product should be considered when behavior results in an enduring effect or product and when exact counts of behavior are desired. Although permanent products are generally easier to obtain than frequency recording measures, the measures are considered less direct, as they were not directly observed. Other factors possibly influenced performance (for better or worse) but were not apparent to the observer when the product was examined. If possible, permanent product data can be collected as products are being produced to prevent confounds and to watch what product-producing behaviors look like.

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