Which time sampling format only counts behavior if it lasts throughout the entire interval?

The chosen answer, which focuses on Whole Interval Recording, describes a time sampling format that requires the target behavior to occur throughout the entire interval for it to be counted as an occurrence. This approach is particularly useful in assessing behaviors that you want to encourage or increase in frequency. For instance, if you're measuring a child’s engagement in an educational activity, the behavior must persist the entire duration of the designated time interval to be noted as a success.

Whole Interval Recording contrasts with other methods that permit a behavior to be recorded if it occurs even briefly within the interval. In the case of Partial Interval Recording, for example, a behavior can be counted as occurring even if it only happens for a fraction of the whole interval, making it less stringent than Whole Interval Recording. Understanding the distinction is crucial for accurately analyzing behaviors and applying the appropriate measurement strategy.

Similarly, Point In Time Sampling captures whether or not a behavior is occurring at a specific moment, while Interval Recording Analysis generally refers to inconsistencies in observing behaviors over designated intervals without specifying the criteria for recording presence. Thus, Whole Interval Recording is distinctly noted for its requirement that the behavior must be evident for the entire duration of the observation period.