Which observation method records whether a target behavior occurs during predetermined time intervals?

Which observation method records whether a target behavior occurs during predetermined time intervals?

• A. Running record
• B. Rating scale
• C. Time sampling
• D. Event sampling

Answer: (C)

Time sampling records whether a target behavior happens within fixed time chunks. You set a schedule—for example, observe every 2 minutes for a 20-minute session—and at each interval you note whether the behavior occurred at all during that interval. If the behavior appeared at any point in that interval, you mark it as present for that interval; if it didn’t, you mark it as absent. Over many intervals, you can see patterns in how often the behavior occurs and when it tends to appear. This method is different from a running record, which logs behavior continuously and in detail as it happens; a rating scale, which asks you to judge the intensity or frequency on a scale; and event sampling, which records each occurrence of the behavior rather than compacting data into fixed time blocks. Time sampling is ideal when you want a streamlined view of presence across time and can simplify data collection while still revealing overall trends.

Time sampling records whether a target behavior happens within fixed time chunks. You set a schedule—for example, observe every 2 minutes for a 20-minute session—and at each interval you note whether the behavior occurred at all during that interval. If the behavior appeared at any point in that interval, you mark it as present for that interval; if it didn’t, you mark it as absent. Over many intervals, you can see patterns in how often the behavior occurs and when it tends to appear.

This method is different from a running record, which logs behavior continuously and in detail as it happens; a rating scale, which asks you to judge the intensity or frequency on a scale; and event sampling, which records each occurrence of the behavior rather than compacting data into fixed time blocks. Time sampling is ideal when you want a streamlined view of presence across time and can simplify data collection while still revealing overall trends.