Time sampling( momentary/ Whole/ Partial Interval) Recording Form

There are three different methods of time sampling. The three different methods of time sampling are whole interval recording, partial interval recording, and momentary time sampling. These methods can be applied to different situations based on the type of behavior being studied. If the behavior is easy to observe then whole interval recording would be beneficial. If it is difficult to identify when the behavior begins or ends, then partial interval recording would be the method of choice. If momentary time sampling is used then the researcher will identify if the behavior is happening at the specific time of data collection (not at other times during the interval).

Whole Interval Recording

Whole interval recording involves looking to see if the particular behavior or activity that you are observing occurs throughout the entire duration of the interval. Whole interval recording is beneficial if the researcher can watch the identifiable behavior for the whole interval. During this method of interval recording, the datasheet would include how many students are performing the task every few seconds for the duration of the interval.

Partial Interval Recording

Partial interval recording is different from whole interval recording. During partial interval recording, the behavior is recorded when it happens at any time during the interval. This is different from whole interval recording which involves monitoring the behavior for the entire duration of the interval. Partial interval recording is particularly helpful when it is not easy to tell when the behavior begins or ends. Partial interval recording does not work well in situations where the behavior being observed typically lasts for longer than the specified time interval.

Momentary time-sampling (MTS)

is a behavior assessment methodology within systematic direct observation wherein an observation period is divided into intervals, and behavior during each interval is scored as an occurrence if the behavior is occurring at the moment the interval begins or ends (depending on the specific procedures used). By dividing intervals scored as occurrences by the total number of intervals, MTS provides an estimate of the proportion or percentage of an observation period during which a target behavior was occurring