A.4 · Data Collection and Graphing

Data entry and graph updates

Follow examples of transferring recorded values to a graph while preserving dates and units. Review how approved graphing and correction procedures handle zero, missing observations and entry errors.

Task A.4: Enter data and update graphs

Useful foundations: A.1: Continuous measurement

The rule

Transfer data exactly, preserve units and dates, and keep a recorded zero distinct from missing observation.

Before graphing, match each value to its session and measurement label. Copy the recorded values and use the documented process to resolve errors or missing entries.

Key terms
Missing observation
An observation lacks a usable measurement. Record that gap using the designated missing-data convention.

What to look for

DistinctionLook forHow to decide
Recorded valuesA source sheet with dated entriesCopy each number exactly as recorded.
Zero versus missingObserved absence or no usable observationRecord zero for an observed absence. Mark missing observations according to the graphing instructions.
Labels and time basisCount, rate, duration and session lengthKeep the original unit and use the approved graph convention.

Worked examples

Missing data

Leave the unobserved session missing

A frequency sheet shows Monday 3, Tuesday 0, Wednesday blank with “session canceled,” and Thursday 2. The graph has one position for each scheduled day.

Relevant facts

  • Tuesday was observed and had no occurrences.
  • Wednesday had no session.

Plot Tuesday at 0; mark Wednesday missing using the approved convention.

Monday 3 → Tuesday 0 → Wednesday missing → Thursday 2

Wednesday has a missing observation. Mark it according to the graphing instructions and follow their rule for connecting points across the gap.

Units and correction

Find a transfer error

A signed sheet records 48 seconds on Friday. The electronic row says 84 and its column is labeled “duration in seconds.” The RBT notices the discrepancy before submitting the record.

Relevant facts

  • The source value is 48 seconds.
  • The entered digits were reversed.

Correct the entry to 48 through the system’s correction process.

Source: 48 seconds → corrected entry: 48 seconds

Keep the correction trace required by the organization. The graph uses seconds, so enter the corrected value as 48 seconds.

What changes the answer?

Consider two entries that both appear blank on a draft graph.

  • One source sheet explicitly records 0; the other says observation unavailable.

Source says observed, zero occurrences.

Enter zero.

There is evidence of absence during observation.

Source says observation unavailable.

Retain missing status.

There is no measurement to plot.

Consult the source record to determine what an empty cell means.

Remember

  • Copy the evidence, including its units and limits.
  • Keep every plotted value faithful to its source record.
Sources for this topic

Reviewed 2026-09-30 · A.4 version 3.