An observable definition, a method that fits, and a fixed observation window.
More guidance
Define each behaviour in observable terms and pick a method that fits it. Brief, countable actions suit frequency. Behaviours that last suit duration. Very frequent or hard-to-separate behaviours suit interval recording. Write the observation window, such as 10:00 to 10:30 during circle time, so different days compare fairly.
2
Frequency Count
Start and end times, one tally per occurrence, and the count per hour.
More guidance
Write the start and end times, make one tally mark per occurrence, and total at the end. Count per hour lets you compare observations of different lengths: divide the total by the minutes observed and multiply by 60. Name the observer, since different people can count slightly differently.
3
Duration Record
Start and end time of each episode, using agreed start and end rules.
More guidance
For each episode, write the start and end time and work out the duration. Agree when an episode starts and ends; for example, crying ends after three seconds of quiet. The total and the average duration are more useful than the longest episode on its own.
4
Interval Recording (Optional)
Interval length, partial or whole rule, and whether the behaviour occurred each interval.
More guidance
Set an interval length, often between 10 seconds and 1 minute, and record whether you are using the partial or whole interval rule. At the end of each interval, mark whether the behaviour occurred under that rule. A vibrating timer saves you watching the clock. Report the result as the number and percentage of intervals with the behaviour.
5
Daily Totals
Each behaviour's total count, duration or percentage of intervals for the day.
More guidance
At the end of each day, bring the figures together by behaviour: total count or duration, or the number and percentage of intervals with the behaviour. These are the figures that go into baselines, progress reports and graphs, so check the arithmetic before handing in the sheet.
6
Observer Notes
Activity, people present, setting events, and anything that made recording hard.
More guidance
Note the context: the activity, people present, changes in routine, setting events such as illness or poor sleep, and anything that made recording difficult. A low count on a day with a substitute teacher, or just after a holiday, needs that context to be read properly.
Frequency and duration data sheet with example entries: filled sample
Fictional entries, initials only, showing the level of detail to aim for. Impression and summary sections are left for the treating clinician.
Behaviours and Recording Method
Calling out: speaks or shouts without raising a hand during group teaching. Method: frequency. Window: first 30 minutes of the English period.
Frequency Count
12 May, 10:00 to 10:30. Tally: 9. Count per hour: 18. Observer: class aide.
Duration Record
Episode 2: 11:12:05 to 11:15:40, duration 3:35, during the change from break to maths.
Interval Recording (Optional)
30-second intervals, partial. Intervals 1 to 10: Yes, Yes, No, No, Yes, No, No, No, Yes, No (4 of 10 intervals, 40%).
Daily Totals
12 May, calling out: 9 in 30 minutes. Crying: 3 episodes, 7 minutes 10 seconds in total.
Observer Notes
Substitute teacher today; class moved to the hall for Annual Day rehearsal from 10:15.
Continuous recording vs interval recording
Frequency and duration (continuous)
Partial or whole interval
What you record
Every occurrence, or the exact length of each episode
Whether the behaviour occurred in each interval
Accuracy
A direct measure of count or time
An estimate; partial tends to overestimate, whole tends to underestimate
Observer effort
High, needs full attention
Lower, one mark per interval
Best for
Clear, countable or timed behaviours
Very frequent behaviours or busy settings
Reported as
Count per hour, or total and average duration
Percentage of intervals
Tips and mistakes to avoid
Do
Keep the observation window the same each day, or convert counts to rates.
Time duration with a stopwatch or phone timer instead of estimating.
Teach caregivers one method at a time, starting with a frequency tally.
Now and then, have two people record the same window and compare.
healhab's free session data tracker has a tally counter and a duration timer that run on a phone.
Avoid
Counting episodes of a lasting behaviour, such as crying, instead of timing them.
Switching between partial and whole interval rules from day to day.
Forgetting to write the observation window.
Leaving episode start and end undefined, so episodes merge or split.
About this data sheet
A frequency and duration data sheet measures how often a behaviour happens and how long each episode lasts within a set observation window. This one includes a tally record, a timed duration log, and an optional partial or whole interval record for behaviours that are hard to count. Daily totals feed straight into baselines and progress reports.
Measuring a baseline before a BIP starts
Tracking a behaviour of concern under a BIP
Measuring a skill that should increase
When observers can only record short periods
Read more
Frequency suits brief behaviours with a clear start and end, such as hitting or calling out. Duration suits behaviours that go on, such as crying. Both give the baseline a BIP is measured against.
Interval recording works when continuous counting is not possible, such as in a busy classroom. Pick partial or whole interval and stay with it. US teams often call this a behavior frequency chart.
Questions
What is frequency recording in ABA?+
Counting how many times a behaviour happens during a set observation period. It suits behaviours with a clear start and end, and is often converted to a rate, such as count per hour, so observations of different lengths can be compared.
What is duration recording?+
Timing how long each episode of a behaviour lasts, from an agreed start to an agreed end. It suits behaviours that go on for a while, such as crying, or skills such as staying engaged in an activity.
What is the difference between partial and whole interval recording?+
Partial interval marks an interval if the behaviour happens at any point in it. Whole interval marks it only if the behaviour lasts the entire interval. Partial is often used for behaviours to decrease, whole for behaviours to increase, such as staying with a task.
How long should an observation be?+
Long enough to capture the behaviour, and the same length each time. Many teams use 15 to 60 minutes during the activity where the behaviour is most likely.
Can I record more than one behaviour at once?+
Yes, though accuracy drops as you add more. Keep to two behaviours per observer, or use interval recording to cover several.
Is there a filled frequency and duration sheet example?+
Each section guide shows a fictional example entry, such as a 30-minute tally and a timed crying episode. Print the sheet as a PDF or fill it in online, adding rows in the editor if you need more.
Which method should a parent use at home?+
Usually a frequency tally during one routine the family chooses, such as the hour before dinner. It needs only a pencil and the sheet on the fridge. Duration and interval recording need more attention than most parents can spare while cooking.
