What criterion defines whole interval recording?

Whole interval recording is a method used in behavior analysis to measure the frequency of a behavior over a specified duration of time. The key aspect of this recording technique is that for the behavior to be recorded as an occurrence, it must take place for the entire duration of the interval being observed. This means that if the behavior does not happen continuously throughout the entire interval, it is not counted as having occurred.

This method is particularly useful for capturing behaviors that are not expected to happen frequently or for those that are meant to be sustained over a longer period. In comparison, other methods, such as partial interval recording or momentary time sampling, use different criteria for recording the occurrence of behavior, which does not align with the stringent requirement of whole interval recording. Thus, the defining characteristic is that the behavior must fully persist throughout the entire interval to be recorded as an occurrence.