The dimensional qualities of behavior from which all behavioral measurements are derived include temporal extent, temporal locus, and repeatability. These three dimensional qualities are crucial for accurately describing and analyzing behavior. By understanding these dimensions, we can gather more precise and meaningful data, which is essential for effective behavior analysis and intervention.

1. Temporal Extent

  • Explanation: Temporal extent simply means that every behavior occupies a certain amount of time. In other words, it has a duration.
  • Examples:
    • The duration of a tantrum: How long did the child’s tantrum last? (e.g., 5 minutes, 20 minutes)
    • The length of a work session: How long did the employee focus on their tasks? (e.g., 1 hour, 3 hours)
    • The time it takes to write a sentence.
  • Measurement: Duration is the primary measure of temporal extent.

2. Temporal Locus

  • Explanation: Temporal locus refers to when a behavior occurs in relation to other events. It’s about the point in time when the behavior happens.
  • Examples:
    • Latency: How long did it take for the student to start working after the teacher gave an instruction? (e.g., 2 seconds, 30 seconds)
    • Interresponse time(IRT): the time between two successive responses. (e.g. the time between each completed math problem.)
    • The time a customer enters a store in relation to when the store opens.
  • Measurement: Latency and interresponse time (IRT) are key measures of temporal locus.

3. Repeatability:

  • Explanation: Every instance of behavior occurs at a certain point in time with respect to other events. Repeatability means that a behavior can occur multiple times. It’s about the frequency of the behavior.
  • Examples:
    • Frequency: How many times did the student raise their hand in class? (e.g., 5 times, 10 times)
    • Rate: How many words did the student read per minute? (e.g., 100 words/minute)
    • Count: the number of smiles a person gives in one hour.
  • Measurement: Count, frequency, and rate are used to measure repeatability.

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