Momentary Time Sampling and Partial Interval Recording: A Rejoinder to Adams (1991)

Abstract

Momentary time sampling (MTS) is an unbiased method of estimating the duration of time for which a behaviour occurs, unlike partial interval recording (PIR) which introduces bias. This lack of bias does not, however, permit the researcher to make the further assumption that MTS allows multiple behaviours to be monitored accurately or in a way that is sensitive to behaviour change. Further considerations of the use of MTS and PIR are discussed.

Measurement of Community Participation and Use of Leisure by Service Users with Intellectual Disabilities: the Guernsey Community Participation and Leisure Assessment (GCPLA)

“…Unfortunately, problems then arise with regard to validity, i.e. with brief observation periods there is an increased probability of errors where the contact or activity is infrequent or of short duration ( Harrop et al. 1994 ).…”

“…Unfortunately, problems then arise with regard to validity, i.e. with brief observation periods there is an increased probability of errors where the contact or activity is infrequent or of short duration (Harrop et al 1994). The required use of a limited number of predetermined categories of behaviour and classi®cation of activity under very broad categories will inevitably limit the extent to which such data comprehensively represents a true re¯ection of the individual's use of the community and their leisure activities.…”