How duration recording works
To record duration, you start timing when the behavior begins and stop timing when it ends. A stopwatch or a timer in a digital tool works well. As with any method, a clear operational definition is essential so that the start and end points are unambiguous.
Duration recording requires that the behavior have an observable onset and offset, so you can tell exactly when it begins and ends.
Total duration vs. duration per occurrence
Total duration is the sum of time the behavior occurred across an entire observation period. It answers the question, "How much of the session was spent engaged in this behavior?" For example, on-task behavior might total 32 minutes out of a 45-minute period.
Duration per occurrence measures the length of each individual instance separately. It answers the question, "How long does each episode last?" This is useful when the goal is to shorten individual episodes, such as reducing the average length of a tantrum from eight minutes to two.
When to use duration recording
Duration recording is the right choice whenever the length of a behavior is more meaningful than the number of times it happens.
- Tantrums or crying episodes, where reducing how long they last is a goal.
- On-task or engagement behavior, where increasing sustained time is a goal.
- Behaviors where a single long instance is more important than several brief ones.