Which measurement technique is best for understanding how long a behavior lasts?

The best measurement technique for understanding how long a behavior lasts is duration measurement. This method involves recording the actual length of time a specific behavior occurs. By directly measuring how long the behavior is engaged in, practitioners can gain precise insights into its duration, which is crucial for analyzing behavior patterns, identifying trends, and tailoring interventions effectively.

Duration measurement allows practitioners to quantify behaviors that vary in length and intensity, providing a more comprehensive understanding compared to other techniques. For instance, while whole interval recording and partial interval recording give information about the presence or absence of a behavior within designated time segments, they do not capture the actual time a behavior is exhibited. Momentary time sampling focuses on whether the behavior occurs at specific moments in time, which also does not convey how long the behavior lasts. Therefore, duration measurement stands out as the most effective technique for capturing the temporal aspects of behavior.