ABA glossary
Whole-interval recording
Definition
A discontinuous method in which an interval is scored only if the behavior lasts through the entire interval. It tends to underestimate the behavior and suits behaviors the team wants to increase.
In plain words
Whole-interval recording asks a strict question: did the behavior continue from the first second of the interval to the last? Any break, however brief, means the interval is not scored. That strictness makes it fit ongoing behaviors that should last, such as staying engaged, playing cooperatively, or remaining seated. Because short breaks cost the whole interval, it underestimates how much the behavior occurred, which keeps progress on an increase goal from being overstated.
Example from a session
The RBT watches Ana during independent work with 15-second intervals. She scores an interval only if Ana stays engaged with her worksheet for all 15 seconds. In one interval Ana looks out the window for 2 seconds, so that interval is not scored even though she worked for 13 seconds. The RBT writes the result as a percentage of intervals.
For BCBA candidates and supervisors
Whole-interval recording requires continuous attention for every interval, so it competes with teaching and usually needs a dedicated observer. Analysts choose interval lengths short enough that brief, irrelevant pauses do not wipe out most intervals. For engagement goals, a continuous duration measure or momentary time sampling may be more practical; analysts state the bias when they interpret the data.
Often confused with partial-interval recording, momentary time sampling
Whole interval requires the behavior throughout the interval; partial interval needs it only once; momentary time sampling needs it only at the instant the interval ends. Whole interval underestimates and fits behaviors to increase; partial interval overestimates and fits behaviors to decrease.
Exam tip
"The entire interval" or "throughout" means whole interval. If the question asks which method underestimates, or which fits a behavior the team wants to increase, choose whole interval.
Can you spot whole-interval recording in a scenario?
Practice RBT A.2 with exam-style questions and instant feedback.