Discontinuous Measurements

Break an observation period into equal intervals

Ex: Lila is taking whole interval data for her clients repetitive spitting. The session is broke up into two minute intervals every two minutes she records whether her client spits for the full two minute interval if her client did not spit at all or spit for some of the interval, but not at the whole time, Lila marks “-” for that interval when her client fits for a full two minute interval, Lila marks “+” for that interval.

Break an observation period into equal intervals, similar to whole interval recording.

Next record data on whether the target behavior occurs at all during the interval if the behavior occurs during the interval mark it as “yes” “+” or put a check mark. If the behavior did not occur at all during the interval mark it as a “no” “-” or “X”

EX: you are instructed to take partial interval data for your client’s headbanging self injuries behavior in 7 minute intervals every seven minutes you record a checkmark if your client bangs his head at all during the previous 7 minutes, and you record an “X” if your client does not bang his head at all during the previous 7 minutes.

Break an observation period two equal intervals.

At the end of each interval observed whether the target behavior is currently occurring.

if the behavior is occurring at the end of the interval, mark that interval as yes, + or checkmark, if the behavior is not occurring at the end of the interval, mark the interval as no, - , or X.

EX: A sixth grade teacher has two students who tend to lose focus during independent work time. The teacher breaks a 45 minute independent work period into 95 minute intervals she grades the assignments while the students are working at the end of each five minute interval she briefly looks up to see if those students are attending to their work if they are attending to their work at that time, she marks a “+” if they are not attending to their work at that time, she marks a “-”.