The Four Types of Continuous Measurement (and When to Use Them) + Free Worksheet Pack

At its core, continuous measurement in applied behavior analysis means recording every instance of a behavior during a class, session, or day. As an RBT, you will primarily use continuous measurement when working in the field of ABA. Having the right data collection system in place will ensure that you have the information you need to assess the effectiveness of your session.

Furthermore, having a system that is sensitive to behavior change will allow you to provide better services to your client. Remember that Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is data driven, so it is important to understand different types of measurement since you will rely on that data to show if a client is making progress and to decide if a session is effective. The four types of continuous measurement include:

• Frequency measurement – Short, but frequent behaviors. (E.g. Counting the times a client mouths on an inedible object.)
• Duration measurement – Infrequent, but lasting behaviors. (E.g. Monitoring the duration of a client’s tantrums.)
• Interresponse Time – The time between two responses. (E.g. Tracking how long it takes for a client to begin working on their second piece of homework after finishing the first.)
• Response Time – The time between a stimulus and a response. (E.g. Tracking the time it takes for a client to respond after being presented with a certain stimulus.)

For more information about ABA and continuous measurement check out our RBT study guide on YouTube.

Make your next continuous measurement session easier and more organized. Don’t forget to download our continuous measurement worksheet pack using the link below.