Time sampling is defined as which of the following?

• A. Observing at predetermined intervals and recording whether the behavior occurred during the interval.
• B. Observing continuously.
• C. Measuring the latency to first occurrence.
• D. Recording the time between occurrences.

Answer: (A)

Time sampling involves checking behavior at set, predetermined intervals and recording whether the behavior occurred during each interval. This approach captures presence or absence within each interval rather than recording every moment of behavior, which makes it efficient for monitoring patterns over longer sessions and for high-frequency or low-rate behaviors. Observing continuously would be real-time data collection, not sampling. Measuring the latency to first occurrence focuses on how long it takes before the behavior starts after a cue. Recording the time between occurrences tracks interarrival times, or interresponse intervals. So the description that fits time sampling is the one about observing at intervals and noting whether the behavior occurred within each interval.