Data Collection September 1, 2009 Intro to Chapter 3 of Alberto and Troutman

Dimensions on which Behavior Can be Measured and Changed Frequency -- Number of times Rate -- Number of times in a period of time Duration – How long the behavior lasts Latency – time between instructions to perform a task and the occurrence of the behavior Topography – Shape of the behavior Force -- Intensity Locus – Where it occurs

Decision to Use a Particular System in Based on: Dimension of behavior Convenience (p. 58)

Three General Categories of Systems for Collecting Data Recording and Analyzing Written Reports –Anecdotal reports (use video) Observation of Tangible Products –Permanent product recording (reading, writing, math) Recording a Sample of Behavior as it Occurs –Event recording –Interval recording –Time Sampling –Duration recording –Latency recording

Permanent Product Recording Tangible items or environmental effects that result from a behavior –Teacher does not have to observe the student engaged in the behavior –Causes minimal interference with a classroom schedule –Permanent products may include: audiotape, videotape, and digital recordings

Event Recording Discrete behaviors Convert to rate When not to use –Avoid high frequency –Avoid behaviors of extended time

Reliability Calculation of Reliability (interobserver agreement) for Event Recording –Coefficient of agreement Divide the smaller number of recorded instances by the larger number of instances –On task computer data