Which data collection method records whether a behavior occurs at discrete points in time?

• A. Duration recording
• B. ABC data
• C. Event recording
• D. Interval recording

Answer: (C)

Interval recording divides observation into equal, discrete time slices and notes whether the target behavior occurred during each slice. This means you’re checking presence or absence at specific points in time, giving a snapshot of activity across the session. It’s especially useful for behaviors that happen irregularly or too often to tally each instance, because you still get a representation of when the behavior occurs throughout the observation period. In contrast, event recording counts each occurrence as it happens, duration recording measures how long the behavior lasts, and ABC data is a narrative of what happens before and after the behavior. So for the idea of recording whether the behavior occurs at discrete points in time, interval recording is the best fit.