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PS561 U2 Discussion

PS561 U2 Discussion

Measuring in Temporal Dimensions

This week, you will be practicing some data collection procedures using videos of problem behaviors. First, review the Behavior Assessment: Duration and Latency Recording activity from the IRIS Center at the Peabody College at Vanderbilt University. You may choose to print out the recording forms provided in the activity (pages 4 and 5) or create your own using a similar format. Be sure to review the operational definition of the target behavior provided on each form. Then, watch the Behavior: Duration and Latency Recording (or read this transcript) and collect duration data on the target behavior defined on the Duration Recording Form. Finally, view the video once again, and collect latency data on the target behavior defined on the Latency Recording Form.

Please respond to the following:

  • Discuss the findings of your data collection experience. What was the total duration of time off task and the percentage of time off task for this session? What was the average latency recorded for this student to begin working independently following a teacher instruction?
    • Based on your observation and data, how would you report the intensity or magnitude of this student's off-task behavior?
  • Explain how the operational definition provided contributed to your observation and data recording experience.
    • Is there anything that could have made the definition more clear for observation purposes? If so, how would you revise the definition to ensure that it is objective, clear, and complete?
  • What challenges did you have with measuring the duration and/or latency of these target behaviors?
    • How might you alleviate similar challenges in the future?

Review two of your classmates' responses, using the following ideas as a guide:

  • Did your findings coincide with your peer? If not, engage in a discussion to evaluate why there may be differences.
  • What do you think about the feedback and/or revision regarding the operational definition?
  • Provide thoughts or advice on addressing any challenges with the measurement process.
  • Ask at least one thoughtful follow-up question.

Vanderbilt University. (2021). Behavior: Duration and latency recording. Iris Center. https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/mcontent/frequ...

The IRIS Center Peabody College Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN 37203 [email protected]. The IRIS Center is funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) Grant #H325E220001. The contents of this website do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. Project Officer, Sarah Allen.

Copyright 2026 Vanderbilt University. All rights reserved.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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