Data Collection and GraphingDifficulty 3/5
A plan specifies 10-second whole-interval recording for on-task behavior. In one interval the learner is on task for 7 seconds, looks away for 2 seconds, then returns. How should the interval be scored?
- AOccurred, because on-task behavior was present for most of the interval
- BDid not occur, because the behavior was not present for the entire interval
- COccurred, because the learner was on task at the end of the interval
- DHalf occurred, recorded as 0.5
Show answer and rationale
Correct: B. Whole-interval recording scores an interval only if the behavior occurred throughout the entire interval. A 2-second break means it did not, so the interval is scored as not occurring. This is why whole-interval tends to underestimate behavior.
- A — Majority of the interval is not the whole-interval rule.
- C — Scoring at the end of the interval is momentary time sampling.
- D — Interval recording is binary; there is no partial credit.