eventrecording

Event recording is a data collection method used to document the occurrence of a specified event or behavior as it happens. It is widely used in behavioral psychology, education, and applied behavior analysis to quantify how often a behavior occurs during a defined observation period. The primary measure is frequency—the count of discrete occurrences—often converted into rate (events per minute or per hour).

Procedure: Define the target event with clear, observable criteria. Train observers to ensure consistent judgments. Record each occurrence as it happens using a tally sheet or digital log, typically with a time stamp. Collect data for a fixed duration or a set number of opportunities. Assess interobserver agreement to verify reliability.

Data interpretation: Event recordings yield counts and rates and may be summarized as total occurrences, rate, or patterns over time. They require continuous observation and are most reliable for discrete, well-defined behaviors.

Applications and limitations: Used in classrooms and clinical settings to monitor on-task behavior, responses, or incidents. Useful for informing behavior-change plans and research. Limitations include reduced feasibility for very high-rate or continuous behaviors, potential observer fatigue, and the labor involved in data collection. Data quality depends on clear definitions and reliability checks.