Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

What is the best method for recording momentary time-sampling data to assess the effectiveness of sensory integration sessions?

1. Recording the total number of occurrences during a session

2. Using continuous observation for the entire session

3. Dividing observation periods into intervals and recording occurrences at the end

4. Using self-reporting from Ed regarding his behavior

The correct answer is: Dividing observation periods into intervals and recording occurrences at the end

The best method for recording momentary time-sampling data to assess the effectiveness of sensory integration sessions involves dividing observation periods into intervals and recording occurrences at the end. This strategy aligns perfectly with the principles of momentary time sampling, where the focus is on assessing whether a behavior occurs at specific moments throughout the observation period rather than accounting for the total occurrences or continuously monitoring behavior for the full session. By segmenting the observation into distinct intervals and capturing data at predetermined moments, this method allows for a practical yet effective means of obtaining representative information without the need for constant observation. This balance is particularly beneficial in settings like sensory integration sessions, where behaviors may fluctuate varying from high to low intensity. The data captured are useful for analyzing trends and effectiveness over time while reducing observer fatigue, making it more feasible to implement in real-world scenarios. In contrast, other methods such as continuous observation or self-reporting may not yield the same reliable data when assessing momentary behaviors, as they can introduce bias or inconsistency in reporting, either through memory errors or variance in attention. Thus, employing interval-based observations for recording provides an efficient and robust means of capturing the necessary data to evaluate the intervention’s effectiveness accurately.