Abstract
Numerous previous studies have shown that partial-interval sampling in direct observation systematically overestimates duration and underestimates frequency. Whole-interval sampling systematically underestimates both duration and frequency. This paper presents a post hoc method through which the systematic errors in duration estimates in partial-interval sampling and whole-interval sampling can be minimized.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ary, D. (1984). Mathematical prediction of sampling component of behavior observation measurement error.Behavioral Assessment, 6, 221–228.
Brulle, A. R., & Repp, A. C. (1984). An investigation of the accuracy of momentary time sampling procedures with time series data.British Journal of Psychology, 75, 481–485.
Dunbar, R. (1976). Some aspects of research design and their implications in the observational study of behavior.Behaviour, 58, 79–98.
Green, S. B., & Alverson, L. G. (1978). A comparison of indirect measures for long-duration behaviors.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11, 530.
Leger, D. (1977). An empirical evaluation of instantaneous and one-zero sampling of chimpanzee behavior.Primates, 18, 387–393.
McDowell, E. (1973). Comparison of time-sampling and continuous recording techniques for observing developmental changes in caretaker and infant behaviors.Journal of Genetic Psychology, 123, 99–105.
Milar, C., & Hawkins, R. (1976). Distorted results from the use of interval recording techniques. In T. Bringham, R. Hawkins, J. Scott, & T. McLaughlin (Eds.).Behaviour analysis in education: Self-control and reading (pp. 261–273). Dubuque, IA: Kendall/Hunt.
Murphy, G., & Goodall, E. (1980). Measurement error in direct observations: A comparison of common recording methods.Behavior Research & Therapy, 18, 147–150.
Powell, J., Martindale, A., & Kulp, S. (1975). An evaluation of time-sample measure of behavior.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 8, 463–469.
Powell, J., Martindale, D., Kulp, S., Martindale, A., & Bauman, R. (1977). Taking a closer look: Time sampling and measurement error.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 10, 325–332.
Rhine, R. J., & Linville, A. (1980). Properties of one-zero scores in observational studies of primate social behavior: The effect of assumptions on empirical analysis.Primates, 21, 111–122.
Sanson-Fisher, R., Poole, A., & Dunn, J. (1980). An empirical method for determining an appropriate interval length for recording behavior.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 13, 493–500.
Simpson, M. J. A., & Simpson, A. E. (1977). One-zero and scan-methods for sampling behavior.Animal Behavior, 25, 726–731.
Suen, H. K., & Ary, D. (1984). Variables influencing one-zero and instantaneous time sampling outcomes.Primates, 25, 89–94.
Suen, H. K., & Ary, D. (1986). Poisson cumulative probabilities of systematic errors in single-subject and multiple-subject time sampling.Behavioral Assessment, 8, 155–169.
Suomi, S. J., & Harlow, H. F. (1972). Social rehabilitation of isolate-reared monkeys.Developmental Psychology, 6, 487–496.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Suen, H.K., Ary, D. A post hoc correction procedure for systematic errors in time-sampling duration estimates. J Psychopathol Behav Assess 8, 31–38 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00960870
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00960870