This is the first section of the RBT study guide, focusing on Measurement. It covers essential topics such as data collection methods, continuous and discontinuous behavior measurement techniques, and graphing skills that every Registered Behavior Technician must master. In the RBT certification exam, approximately 12 questions will be related to Measurement.
In the measurement section, RBT Task List 2.0 includes the following topics:
- Prepare For Data Collection
- Implement Continuous Measurement Procedures
- Implement Discontinuous Measurement Procedures
- Implement Permanent-Product Recording Procedures
- Enter Data and Update Graphs
- Describe Behavior and Environment in Observable and Measurable Terms
Importance of measurement in ABA: The process of recording information regarding behavior is called measurement or data collection. Data collection is crucial in applied behavior analysis (ABA).
It’s impossible to design a personalized behavior intervention plan (BIP) or determine the client progress without accurate data collection. So, as an RBT, it’s your responsbility to accurately measure the data throughout the sessions.
RBT Task A-1: Prepare for data collection
As an RBT, it’s your responsibility to accurately record the important data throughout the session. You should gather all the materials required for data collection, such as paper, pen, clipboard,
timer, data collection sheet, and other electronic gadgets (if your organization allow it).
Also, before data collection, you should have a clearity about the type of behavior you are collecting data on: such as duration, rate, frequency, latency, duration, etc.
Task analysis for data collection
1. Identify the Type of Behavior to Measure:
Determine the specific behavior you are collecting data on. This could include:
- Duration: How long the behavior occurs.
- Rate: How often the behavior occurs within a specific time frame.
- Interval: Whether the behavior occurs during specific time intervals.
2. Select the Appropriate Data Collection Method:
Choose the method that best fits the behavior being observed. Your supervisor will guide you in this process, often based on the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) or outlined in the Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
3. Prepare Data Collection Materials:
Gather all necessary tools, which may include: Paper, pen, clipboard, stopwatch, data collection sheets, and electronic devices (if allowed).
4. Complete Identifying Information:
Before starting, fill out all required information, such as:
- Client’s name, date of birth, and diagnosis (if applicable)
- Date, time, and setting of observation
- Specific behaviors or skills being monitored
Note: If there’s no standardized form, neatly write this information at the top of your data sheet.
5. Minimize Distractions:
Ensure the observation environment is as distraction-free as possible to maintain accuracy and consistency in data collection.
6. Begin Data Collection:
Observe the client and record data accurately and consistently based on the chosen method. Stay objective and focus solely on the behaviors being monitored.
RBT Task A-2: Implement continuous measurement procedures
In continuous measurement procedures, you need to record the every occurances of target behavior during the entire observation period. This measurement procedure is only impelemented if it’s feasible to record every possible behavioral occurances.
Your BCBA will decide whether you should implement continous behavior measurement procedure based on the client, the target behavior, and other variables.
There are five types of continous measurement:
- Frequency: The total count of how many times a behavior occurs within an observation period.
For example, Michael hits his brother 6 times during the session.
- Rate: The number of times a target behavior occurs within a given time period. The rate of target behavior is the frequency divided by the time.
For example, If Michael hits his brother 6 times in a 2-hour session, then rate is 6/2 =3 hits per hour.
- Latency: The amount of time between a stimulus and a response is called latency. It measures how quickly someone responds after being prompted.
For example, an RBT say “Pick up your pencil”, the time it takes from the moment the instruction is given to when the student actually starts picking up the pencil is the latency.
- Duration: It refers to the total amount of time a behavior occurs from start to finish. It measures how long a behavior lasts, which is useful for tracking behaviors that have a clear beginning and end.
For example, a child starts crying at 1:15 PM and stops at 1:25 PM. The duration of the crying behavior is 10 minutes.
- Inter-response Time (IRT): Inter-Response Time is the amount of time that passes between the end of one instance of a behavior and the beginning of the next.
For example, a child claps their hands, stops, and then claps again after 3 seconds. The IRT is 3 seconds.
RBT Task A-3: Implement discontinuous measurement procedures
Discontinuous measurement procedures involve collecting data on a behavior only during specific moments or intervals, rather than recording every occurrence. This method provides an estimate of the behavior’s occurrence, making it useful when continuous observation isn’t practical.
There are three types of discontinous measurement procedures:
Whole Interval Recording: It is a discontinuous measurement procedure used to track behaviors that occur continuously for an entire interval.
How It Works:
- The observation period is divided into equal time intervals.
- If the target behavior occurs throughout the entire interval, it is marked as “+” (present).
- If the behavior stops at any point during the interval, it is marked as “-” (absent).
- This method often underestimates the actual occurrence of behavior since partial occurrences are not counted.
Partial Interval Recording: It is a discontinuous measurement procedure used to track whether a behavior occurs at any point during a specific time interval.
How It Works:
- The observation period is divided into equal time intervals (e.g., 10 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute).
- If the behavior occurs at any time during the interval, it is marked as “+” (present).
- If the behavior does not occur at all during the interval, it is marked as “-” (absent).
- Because it does not measure duration, this method can overestimate behavior frequency.
Momentary Time Sampling: It is a discontinuous measurement procedure used to record whether a behavior is occurring at the exact moment an interval ends.
How It Works:
- The observation period is divided into equal intervals.
- At the end of each interval, the observer checks if the behavior is occurring.
- If the behavior is present at that exact moment, the interval is marked “+” (present).
- If the behavior is not occurring at that moment, it is marked “-” (absent).
- This method is practical for observing multiple individuals at the same time.
RBT Task A-4: Implement permanent-product recording procedures
Permanent Product Recording is a data collection method that focuses on recording the physical outcome of a behavior, rather than directly observing the behavior itself. It is useful for behaviors that leave a lasting, countable result, making it an efficient way to collect data without constant observation.
For example, a supervisor checks the number of packages assembled by an employee at the end of a shift to measure productivity without observing the packing process.
RBT Task A-5: Enter data and update graphs
Keeping track of data is an important part of an RBT’s job. It helps measure progress and make sure interventions are working. Your supervisor will give you instructions on how to collect and graph data correctly. You might graph data by hand using pencil and paper or use a computer application. No matter which method you use, accurate and consistent data is key to helping clients succeed.
Rules for Graphing:
- Label the horizontal axis (X-axis) with sessions or days.
- Label the vertical axis (Y-axis) with the type of measurement (e.g., frequency, duration).
- Plot one data point for each session.
- Connect data points with a solid line if they are in the same phase.
- Draw a vertical phase line to separate different treatment phases.
- Do not connect data points between different phases.
- Use different symbols for different behaviors on the same graph.
- Add a legend or labels with arrows to identify behaviors when graphing multiple behaviors.
RBT Task A-6: Describe behavior and environment in observable and measurable terms
In Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), it is essential to describe behavior and the environment in a way that is clear, objective, and measurable. This ensures that everyone working with the client understands exactly what is being observed and recorded.
By using observable and measurable descriptions, behavior analysts and RBTs can collect accurate data, develop effective interventions, and track progress more reliably.
Describing Behavior
When describing behavior, avoid vague or subjective terms like “angry” or “frustrated” because they can mean different things to different people. Instead, use specific and observable descriptions.
- Good example: “The client screamed at a high volume, stomped their feet, and threw a toy across the room.”
- Poor example: “The client was upset.”
Describing the Environment
The environment includes everything around the individual that might influence behavior, such as people, objects, sounds, and settings. It is important to describe it objectively so that it can be analyzed effectively.
- Good example: “The client was in a quiet classroom with three other students and a teacher. The teacher had just given a math worksheet to the group.”
- Poor example: “The client was in a stressful environment.”