title: Representativeness of direct observations selected using a work-sampling equation.
abstract: Deciding on appropriate sampling to obtain representative samples of behavior is important but not straightforward, because the relative duration of the target behavior may affect its observation in a given sampling interval. Work-sampling methods, which offer a way to adjust the frequency of sampling according to a priori or ongoing estimates of the behavior to achieve a preselected level of representativeness, may provide a solution. Full-week observations of 7 behaviors were conducted for 3 students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. Work-sampling methods were used to select momentary time samples from the full time-of-interest, which produced representative samples. However, work sampling required impractically high numbers of time samples to obtain representative samples. More practical momentary time samples produced less representative samples, particularly for low-duration behaviors. The utility and limits of work-sampling methods for applied behavior analysis are discussed.
authors.affiliation: The University of Auckland, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Rebecca A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Sharp
authors.forename: Oliver C
authors.initials: OC
authors.lastname: Mudford
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Elliffe
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019370:Observation / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: classroom behaviors; observational recording; representativeness; work sampling