A.5 · Data Collection and Graphing

Observable and measurable behavior

Review descriptions of actions another observer can identify, count or time. Examples show how operational definitions and their exclusions determine which events count, with supervisor clarification when needed.

Task A.5: Describe behavior and environment in observable, measurable terms

The rule

Describe behavior as actions another observer can see or hear, with boundaries that distinguish examples from nonexamples.

Ask whether two observers could identify the same action from the wording. Name the action, the relevant object or person, and any threshold or start-and-stop rule.

Key terms
Operational definition
A description precise enough for observers to decide consistently whether an event counts.

What to look for

DistinctionLook forHow to decide
Observable actionMovement or speechDescribe what someone did or said.
Operational boundaryA rule for including an eventDefine the action and the boundaries used to score each occurrence.
Inferred stateAn interpretation of motive or feelingSeparate interpretation from observed facts.

Worked examples

Observable description

Replace a judgment with events

A draft note reads, “Noah was manipulative and wanted attention.” The RBT observed Noah say “Look at my drawing” three times while the adult was talking to someone else, then place the drawing on the adult’s notebook.

Relevant facts

  • The words, number of statements and placement were observed.
  • The motive was not directly observed.

Record Noah’s statements and placement of the materials in observable terms.

Three statements of “Look at my drawing”; drawing placed on notebook

The revised description lets another reader identify the observed event. Establishing behavioral function requires assessment evidence about the conditions maintaining the response.

Definition boundary

Decide whether an event counts

The approved definition of leaving the work area is “both feet cross the blue floor line without an instruction to move.” Ava puts one foot over the line, brings it back, then later crosses with both feet after being told to collect paper.

Relevant facts

  • The first event has only one foot across.
  • The second event follows an instruction to move.

Neither event meets this definition.

One-foot crossing: excluded. Instructed crossing: excluded.

Apply the operational definition to each event. Request clarification from the supervisor whenever its boundaries need explanation.

What changes the answer?

Keep the same floor line and movement. Change the instruction history.

  • Both feet cross the blue line.

No instruction to move was given.

Count one event.

Both required conditions are met.

The adult instructed the learner to collect paper.

Exclude this event under the instruction clause of the definition.

The stated exclusion applies.

This definition makes the instruction a decisive scoring fact. Apply the conditions specified in the definition you are using.

Remember

  • Describe the actions you observed.
  • Use the actual definition, including exclusions.
Sources for this topic

Reviewed 2026-09-30 · A.5 version 3.