What defines a partial interval measurement?

A partial interval measurement is characterized by the approach of recording whether a specific behavior occurred at any point during the observation period. This method focuses on capturing instances of behavior without the requirement to monitor every single moment throughout the entire interval. By documenting occurrences in this way, it allows for a broader assessment of behavior frequency over time while providing flexibility in the data collection process.

This method is particularly useful in situations where behaviors are expected to occur sporadically rather than continuously and it can help identify patterns or changes over time in the occurrence of behaviors. This contrasts with other measurement methods, which may require continuous tracking of behavior throughout the entire time period, measure at discrete time intervals, or count occurrences specifically within set durations. Each of these other methods has its distinct application and utility, but they do not have the same flexibility in recording occurrences as partial interval measurement does.