Time Sampling
Time Sampling
Time sampling is a helpful data collection method that allows us to see a “snapshot” of the behavior in time. It is not as specific as other methods, as it does not record each time a behavior happens. This is helpful to use when you want to increase or decrease a behavior. For all time sampling procedures, you will take a set amount of time (say 10 minutes) and divide it into equal intervals (1 minute intervals).
The first time sampling method we will discuss is partial interval time sampling. This is a good method to use for behaviors that you are wanting to decrease. Examples of this could be wanting to decrease the off-task behavior around homework or (insert another example here). For this, we will mark the interval if the behavior you are targeting occurs at any time at all in that specific interval. If it happens just one time – mark it! If it happens for a very short period of time (like seconds) – mark it! If it happens for the first 45 seconds and then stops -MARK IT!
Whole interval recording is another time sampling method and it is a good one to use on behavior you want to increase. Examples of this could be time spent reading or cooperative play with siblings. To take data using this method, you will only mark if the behavior occurs for the entire length of the interval. If it occurs for part of the interval or not at all, leave it blank.
There are a few more techniques that we are not including here – as they can get a little complicated! On our Facebook page, we have examples of partial and whole interval time sampling in action. Be sure to find us there and check these out as time sampling is best to see as it is occurring!
-The Behavior Queens 💚