Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) Practice Test

Which method would provide the most accurate data collection for post-meal behavior?

1. Duration recording

2. Frequency recording

3. Whole interval recording

4. Partial interval recording

The correct answer is: Frequency recording

The method of frequency recording is particularly well-suited for accurately capturing post-meal behavior dynamics. This approach focuses on counting the number of times a specific behavior occurs within a defined time period. When observing behaviors that may occur multiple times after a meal, such as requesting more food, displaying signs of distress, or engaging in certain activities, frequency recording offers a clear and quantifiable insight into how often these behaviors manifest. This method allows for straightforward data analysis regarding changes in behavior patterns over time, especially in response to various interventions or changes in the eating environment. Additionally, frequency recording is beneficial when the behavior of interest is discrete and identifiable, enabling precise tracking of occurrences without the ambiguity that might arise with continuous measures used in other methods. In contrast, duration recording focuses on the length of time a behavior lasts, which may not capture the immediate frequency of specific post-meal behaviors. Whole interval and partial interval recording methods are more suited for observing continuous behaviors or measuring presence during intervals rather than counting distinct behaviors. These methods can lead to potential underestimation of behaviors occurring briefly or intermittently, making them less accurate for contexts requiring an exact count of occurrences like post-meal behavior.