What is momentary time sampling?

Momentary time sampling is a behavioral observation technique used to measure the presence or absence of a behavior at specific points in time. This method involves observing whether a target behavior is occurring at predetermined moments—often recorded at the end of intervals. It provides a snapshot of the behavior's occurrence without the need for continuous monitoring.

This approach is particularly effective for capturing behaviors that might be fleeting or inconsistent, allowing practitioners to gain an understanding of how frequently the behavior manifests over time without the requirement of constant observation. It is ideal for managing large groups or when resources for more intensive data collection are limited.

In the context of the other options: tracking behavior throughout the interval implies ongoing observation, continuous tracking suggests an unbroken record of behavior over time, and recording frequency entails counting each instance of behavior, which are not aligned with the essence of momentary time sampling.