What would partial interval recording result in during data collection?

Partial interval recording is a behavior observation method where the observer records whether a certain behavior occurs at any point during each predetermined interval of time. This approach can sometimes lead to an overestimation of the total occurrences of that behavior. Since the behavior can be noted as occurring even if it happens only briefly within the interval, there’s a risk of counting multiple partial occurrences within a single interval, thus inflating the total count of the behavior.

For example, if a child engages in the target behavior for just a moment within a 10-second interval, that interval still counts as an occurrence of the behavior. Consequently, if several short occurrences transpire in a single interval, they are all recorded, leading to a higher count than might truly represent the frequency of the behavior over a longer period.

This characteristic of partial interval recording results in data that may reflect a higher frequency than the actual number of distinct or sustained occurrences of the behavior, making it a useful method for tracking behaviors which are quick or sporadic but inherently imperfect for accurately measuring the actual time a behavior occurs.