Data Collection & Graphing
RBT Task List 3.0 (Section A). Master the foundational skills of measurement, graphing, and data analysis.
Continuous Measurement
Recording every single instance of the behavior during the observation period. This is the most accurate form of measurement.
- Frequency: Simple count (e.g., "Hit 5 times").
- Rate: Frequency ÷ Time (e.g., "5 hits per hour").
- Duration: How long the behavior lasts (e.g., "Cried for 10 mins").
- Latency: Time from Instruction → Start of Behavior.
- IRT (Interresponse Time): Time between two successive responses.
Discontinuous Measurement
Estimating behavior by recording only a sample of intervals. Useful for high-frequency behaviors or when the RBT cannot watch continuously.
- Partial Interval: Did it happen at any time? (Overestimates behavior).
- Whole Interval: Did it happen for the entire time? (Underestimates behavior).
- MTS (Momentary Time Sampling): Is it happening at the exact end of the interval?
Permanent Product Recording
Measuring the tangible outcome of a behavior rather than the behavior itself. You do not need to watch the client perform the task.
Completed worksheet, clean room, folded laundry.
RBT does not need to be present while behavior occurs.
Enter Data & Update Graphs
RBTs typically use line graphs to display data trends. Data must be entered accurately and immediately following sessions.
X-Axis: Represents Time (Sessions, Days, Weeks).
Y-Axis: Represents the Behavior (Count, Percentage, Duration).
Observable & Measurable
Behavior must be described objectively (what you see/hear), not subjectively (how you feel about it).
"Client hit the table 3 times."
"Client was angry."
Calculate & Summarize Data
Raw data (tally marks) must be converted into a summary format for the BCBA to analyze.
- Percentage: (Correct Responses ÷ Total Opportunities) × 100.
- Rate: Frequency ÷ Time (e.g., 20 hits ÷ 2 hours = 10 hits/hr).
- Average: Adding all data points and dividing by the number of sessions.
Identify Trends
A trend is the overall direction of the data path. RBTs should be able to look at a graph and describe the direction.
- Ascending: Data points are going UP (Good for skill acquisition).
- Descending: Data points are going DOWN (Good for behavior reduction).
- Stable: Data is flat (No change).
- Variable: Data is bouncing up and down unpredictably.
Risks of Unreliable Data
If data is not collected accurately, the BCBA cannot make good decisions.
Continuing an intervention that isn't working.
Stopping an intervention that WAS actually working.