ABC Recording
Also called: ABC data, antecedent-behavior-consequence recording, ABC chart
Definition
A descriptive assessment method in which the observer records, for each occurrence of the target behavior, what happened immediately before it and what happened immediately after it, in the natural setting. Over many occurrences it reveals patterns that suggest a function; it does not by itself prove one, because nothing is manipulated.
In plain language
Writing down what happened right before a behavior, the behavior itself, and what happened right after. Patterns across many entries hint at why it happens.
Example
An entry reads: told to clean up; threw blocks; activity ended and staff sat with him. Repeated entries like this point toward escape or attention.
Not abc recording
A questionnaire filled in by a parent about when the behavior usually happens. That is an indirect assessment.
See also
Written from
- bijou-peterson-ault-1968
Written from Bijou, Peterson and Ault (1968). No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.