Measuring Frequency: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Frequency?

• Frequency is defined as a ratio: $Frequency = \frac{Count}{Observation\ Time}$. It represents a count per observation period.
• It's often standardized to a unit of time (e.g., per minute, hour, day).
• Calculation: Divide the number of recorded responses by the number of standard time units during which observations took place.

Frequency in Layman's Terms

• Frequency is simply the number of times a behavior occurs.
• Rate and frequency are interchangeable, both often include a timeframe.
• In this module, frequency will be considered as a simple count, not attached to a specific time frame.

Frequency as a Continuous Measurement

• Frequency falls under continuous measurement because every instance of the behavior is counted.
• It's important to select the appropriate measurement for data collection.

When to Use Frequency

• Use frequency when you want to measure how many times a behavior happens without regard to a specific time frame.
• When session lengths are consistent, frequency (count) is sufficient. For example, if Johnny's session is always two hours long, you don't need to calculate a rate for his hitting behavior.
• Frequency is suitable for behaviors that:
  • Occur often.
  • Have an easily defined topography (clear start and end).
  • Example: Counting how many times a client says a particular word or hits someone during a session.

Examples of Frequency Recording

• John hit three times during the session.
• Susie threw her pencil on the floor 12 times while completing homework.
• Alex pinched his sister five times while they were drawing.
• Tom said 86 words during his session.

Common Scenarios for RBTs to Collect Frequency Data

• Problem Behavior: Hitting, biting, kicking, elopement.
• Independent and prompted mands (requests).
• Number of words a learner says.
• Essentially any behavior that can be easily counted.