What happens during partial interval recording?

Partial interval recording is a data collection method used in behavior analysis where the primary focus is on whether a specific behavior occurs at any point during a predetermined time interval. In this method, if the behavior occurs at any moment within the interval, it is marked as having occurred for that interval, regardless of its duration. This approach is valuable for capturing behaviors that may be brief or infrequent, providing a more flexible way to gauge their overall occurrence throughout the observation period.

The choice that states the occurrence is recorded if it happens during any part of the interval aligns perfectly with the essence of partial interval recording. This technique allows practitioners to assess behaviors without needing to measure how long they occur, thereby simplifying data collection and analysis in situations where the frequency of behavior is more critical than its duration.