RBT Study Guide Unit A: Measurement
Master behavioral measurement, data collection procedures, and graph interpretation for RBT certification.
A-1. Identify and Define Target Behavior
A target behavior must be observable (can see/hear) and measurable (can count/time).
Clear
Observable
Measurable
Objective
| POOR DEFINITION | IMPROVED DEFINITION |
|---|---|
| "Tantrum" | "Crying loudly, falling to floor, kicking/screaming 5+ seconds" |
| "Off-task" | "Not looking at task materials for 10+ seconds" |
A-2. Prepare for Data Collection
Steps
- Define behavior clearly
- Select measurement system
- Gather tools (timer, counter, sheets)
- Prepare environment
- Review procedures
Tools
A-3. Continuous Measurement
Records every instance of behavior
| TYPE | DEFINITION | EXAMPLE |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Counting how many times a behavior occurs | Number of hand raises in class |
| Duration | Timing how long a behavior lasts | Time spent crying |
| Latency | Time between instruction and start of behavior | Time from "sit down" to sitting |
| IRT | Time between two behaviors | Time between two bites of food |
📈 Example: Decreasing Duration Trend
A-4. Discontinuous Measurement
Measures behavior during specific intervals only
Whole Interval
Record if behavior occurs throughout entire interval
Partial Interval
Record if behavior occurs at any time during interval
Momentary Time Sampling
Record if behavior occurs at moment interval ends
Example: Partial Interval
Intervals: Y-N-Y-Y-N = 3/5 = 60% occurrence
A-5. Permanent Product Recording
Measures the result/outcome of behavior rather than the behavior itself.
Examples
- • Completed math problems
- • Toys cleaned up
- • Worksheets turned in
Advantages
- • No live observation needed
- • Can verify later
- • Objective & permanent
A-6. Enter Data and Update Graphs
Steps
- Review data sheets
- Enter data accurately
- Create line graphs
- Label clearly
- Update regularly
Graph Example
Trend: Increasing!
A-7. Observable and Measurable Descriptions
Avoid emotion words
Focus on observable actions
Include context
"He was angry"
"He shouted, threw pencil, stomped feet for 10 seconds after iPad denial"
Understanding Trends & Practice
Increasing
Behavior improving
Decreasing
Behavior reducing
Stable
No change
Practice Exercise
- Record frequency of "hand raising" for 10 minutes
- Create a line graph from your data
- Identify if behavior increased or decreased
Test Your Measurement Knowledge
Practice measurement concepts with targeted quiz questions.