Observer error in the use of momentary time sampling and partial interval recording

Murphy, Maurice Jerel; Harrop, Alex

doi:10.1111/j.2044-8295.1994.tb02517.x

Cited by 17 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 6 publications

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“…1975; Powell et al . 1977; Saudargas & Zanolli 1990; Murphy & Harrop 1994). This method records the behaviour of both the participant and the staff member in detail.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Passive Activities: the Effectiveness of Multisensory Environments on the Level of Activity of Individuals with Profound Multiple Disabilities

Vlaskamp

Geeter

Huijsmans

et al. 2003

Research Intellect Disabil

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Background The use of multisensory environments (MSEs) is perceived to be important for individuals with profound and multiple disabilities, although there is limited research on the efficacy of the procedures. After a search of the literature, numerous positive outcomes of MSEs were described. Our research aimed to determine whether the use of an MSE, when applied to increase the level of alertness and interaction, actually leads to this effect. Methods A total of 15 facilities in the Netherlands and Belgium agreed to participate in the investigation. Information was gathered on the use of MSE by 177 individuals. For 62 persons, an increase of level of activity was the only stated goal. We randomly selected 20 persons out of this group for observation, using momentary time sampling as a means to relate multisensory experiences to the level of alertness and interaction. Results The results of our study show that in general there is little evidence for an increase in activity levels as a result of MSE. There is, however, a relation between the level of activity and contextual variables. In particular, people with profound multiple disabilities have strong responses towards stimuli provided by members of staff (touching, talking to the person). Conclusions In general, the living unit is as good a place as the MSE for promoting alertness and interactions. The influence of materials on the level of activity is limited.

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“…1975; Powell et al . 1977; Saudargas & Zanolli 1990; Murphy & Harrop 1994). This method records the behaviour of both the participant and the staff member in detail.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Momentary time sampling (MTS) was used as a means to record the level of interaction and alertness (Powell et al 1975;Powell et al 1977;Saudargas & Zanolli 1990;Murphy & Harrop 1994). This method records the behaviour of both the participant and the staff member in detail.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Passive Activities: the Effectiveness of Multisensory Environments on the Level of Activity of Individuals with Profound Multiple Disabilities

Vlaskamp

Geeter

Huijsmans

et al. 2003

Research Intellect Disabil

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show abstract

“…In studies attempting to estimate the accuracy of one or more interval-based systems, MTS was widely analyzed (e.g., Alvero et al, 2011; Alvero, Struss, & Rappaport, 2007; Brulle & Repp, 1984; Devine, Rapp, Testa, Henrickson, & Schnerch, 2011; Edwards, Kearns, & Tingstrom, 1991; Harrop & Daniels, 1986; Jauhiainen & Korhonen, 2005; Kearns, Edwards, & Tingstrom, 1990; Meany-Daboul et al, 2007; M. J. Murphy & Harrop, 1994; Powell et al, 1977; Rapp, Carroll, Stangeland, Swanson, & Higgins, 2011; Rapp et al, 2007; Repp, Roberts, Slack, Repp, & Berkler, 1976; Rojahn & Kanoy, 1985; Schmidt et al, 2013; Wirth, Slaven, & Taylor, 2013).…”

Section: Review Of Findings From Previous Comparison Studiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Using Interval-Based Systems to Measure Behavior in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention

Lane

Ledford

2014

Topics in Early Childhood Special Education

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The purpose of this article is to summarize the current literature on the accuracy and reliability of interval systems using data from previously published experimental studies that used either human observations of behavior or computer simulations. Although multiple comparison studies provided mathematical adjustments or modifications to interval systems, recommendations were often noted as impractical or inefficient for use by early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) practitioners. Based on the review of previous comparisons, none of the interval systems were accurate estimates of frequency; thus, event recording should be used to measure counts of behavior in early childhood settings. Momentary time sampling (MTS) may be appropriate and feasible for estimating duration, but only if random error is considered; partial (PIR) and whole interval recording (WIR) systems are inappropriate unless a statistical correction procedure is devised. Recommendations for using interval-based systems in applied research with young children with disabilities are provided.

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“…Furthermore, an evaluation of sampling methods with a simulation removes error attributable to the human observer. Observer error is inaccuracy in the data that is introduced by the observer and can be indirectly attributed to a range of variables, such as age, training, history, vigilance, reaction time, motivation, and stimulus discriminability (Green et al, ; Mudford et al, ; M. J. Murphy & Harrop, ; Repp et al, ; Saudargas & Zanolli, ; Taylor, Skourides, & Alvero, ; Tyler, ). Measurement error is studied more efficiently when it is disentangled from the confounding effects of observer error.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Interval sampling methods and measurement error: A computer simulation

Wirth

Slaven

Taylor

2013

J of App Behav Analysis

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A simulation study was conducted to provide a more thorough account of measurement error associated with interval sampling methods. A computer program simulated the application of momentary time sampling, partial-interval recording, and whole-interval recording methods on target events randomly distributed across an observation period. The simulation yielded measures of error for multiple combinations of observation period, interval duration, event duration, and cumulative event duration. The simulations were conducted up to 100 times to yield measures of error variability. Although the present simulation confirmed some previously reported characteristics of interval sampling methods, it also revealed many new findings that pertain to each method’s inherent strengths and weaknesses. The analysis and resulting error tables can help guide the selection of the most appropriate sampling method for observation-based behavioral assessments.

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Observer error in the use of momentary time sampling and partial interval recording

Cited by 17 publications

References 6 publications

Passive Activities: the Effectiveness of Multisensory Environments on the Level of Activity of Individuals with Profound Multiple Disabilities

Passive Activities: the Effectiveness of Multisensory Environments on the Level of Activity of Individuals with Profound Multiple Disabilities

Using Interval-Based Systems to Measure Behavior in Early Childhood Special Education and Early Intervention

Interval sampling methods and measurement error: A computer simulation

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