In partial interval recording, when is behavior counted?

In partial interval recording, a behavior is counted if it occurs at any point during the designated interval. This method is particularly useful for capturing the occurrence of behaviors that may be brief or sporadic. It allows for a more flexible and inclusive assessment, as behaviors do not have to be continuous throughout the entire interval to be recorded. This approach can lead to an overestimation of the frequency of the behavior, as the mere presence of the behavior at any moment within the interval qualifies for recording.

By focusing on whether the behavior happens at least once during the interval, partial interval recording simplifies data collection and is often easier to implement, especially in naturalistic settings or when observing multiple behaviors. This contrasts with approaches that require behaviors to persist for the whole interval or to be measured more rigorously across intervals, which may not capture the nuances of certain behaviors effectively.