Date of Award
8-2005
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. R. Wayne Fuqua
Second Advisor
Dr. James Carr
Third Advisor
Dr. Cynthia Pietras
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
Partial Interval Recording (PIR) and Momentary Time Sampling (MTS) are two of the most widely used methods for estimating the percentage of an observation session during which a target behavior occurs. Previous research suggests that MTS produces a more valid estimate than PIR of the actual percentage of an observation session during which a target behavior occurs, and the current study sought to replicate that finding. The degree to which human observers validly apply an observation method influences the dependent measure that is reported and in Experiment 1, human participants observed simulated behaviors and produced an estimate of percent duration using either MTS or PIR. The ability of PIR and MTS to accurately quantify changes in behavior was assessed in both experiments. Experiment 1 compared the percent duration estimate validity, human observer validity, and sensitivity to change of MTS and PIR. Experiment 2 further compared the measurement validity and sensitivity to change of MTS and PIR using computer-scored pseudo behavior. Results of both experiments indicate that MTS is a much more valid method for estimating percent duration, and more sensitive to change overall, but that PIR is nearly as sensitive in some scenarios. Results of Experiment 1 indicate that human observers used PIR more validly than MTS.
Recommended Citation
DeBery, Geoffrey, "A Comparison of the Momentary Time Sampling and Partial Interval Recording Methods of Behavioral Observation" (2005). Masters Theses. 3555.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3555