Data Collection: Duration Recording

When collecting data using duration recording, I'm recording the total amount of time that a student's behavior occurred. I use this for behaviors that have a distinct beginning and ending. Currently, I'm using this type of data collection with Mark. He has been screaming in class. I have clearly defined the target behavior of screaming as vocalizing or yelling words at a louder volume than typical conversation level with pauses no longer than two seconds. This way, no matter who is collecting the data, we are all clear about what counts as an instance of screaming. Mark has been screaming in the gym during physical education class for extended periods of time. Let's collect some baseline data. Here's how I would record this baseline duration data on a form. I could record the start and end time of the behavior from my notes and calculate the time Mark spent screaming. Today, I used a stopwatch, so I can just record the minutes he was engaged in the behavior. As I try an intervention with Mark, I continue to collect duration data to see if the intervention is reducing the length of time Mark spends screaming. Let's see how Mark's doing now after the behavior intervention. Here's how I would record this duration data on the form. I used a stopwatch again today, so I can just record the time it shows that he was engaged in the behavior. Three minutes is quite a reduction in the duration from our baseline of ten minutes of screaming. I'd say I'm on the right track with the intervention for Mark.