Comparison of discontinuous data collection methods for disruptive behavior in applied settings

Document Type

Thesis

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree

M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis

Date Completed

2016

First Committee Member

Ahearn, William H.

Second Committee Member

MacDonald, Rebecca

Third Committee Member

Thompson, Rachel

Abstract

"This study analyzed various topographies of disruptive behavior emitted by students in an applied setting using momentary time sampling and partial interval recording using 20 s, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, and 30 min intervals. Data estimates produced with each sampling procedure were compared to a continuous record as in Gardenier, MacDonald, and Green (2004). Seven hours of video recording were collected for each participant. These videos were collected at the same hour during a regularly scheduled school day. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of accurately estimating behavioral occurrence with large sampling intervals (i.e., 5 minutes or greater) using discontinuous measures, including one sampling interval known to produce fairly accurate estimates (i.e., 20 s). The percentage of occurrences, and total duration of responding during a time block using each time sampling method was compared to the actual duration of and percent of intervals with disruptive behavior calculated using a continuous record. Measurement error was calculated for each sampling method and interval length to compare the accuracy of the estimates generated. Results indicated that partial interval recording overestimated the occurrence of behavior and that momentary time sampling both overestimated and underestimated the occurrence of behavior. Overall MTS provided more accurate estimates of the total duration of behavior, but measurement error varied widely across participants. It is possible that MTS intervals could produce fairly accurate estimates on average but further study is warranted."

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