Momentary Time Sampling
Also called: MTS, time sampling
Definition
A discontinuous measure in which an observation period is divided into intervals and the behavior is scored only if it is occurring at the moment each interval ends. Because it samples single instants, it neither consistently overestimates nor underestimates, and it frees the observer between samples.
In plain language
You check at the end of each time block and mark whether the behavior is happening right at that moment. You are not watching the whole time, so you can do other things.
Examples
Every two minutes a teacher glances up and records whether the learner is working at that instant.
A timer sounds every minute and staff note whether the learner is engaged just then.
Not momentary time sampling
Scoring an interval because the behavior happened at any point within it, which is partial-interval recording.
Watching continuously and counting every occurrence, which is a continuous measure rather than a sample.
See also
Written from
- baer-wolf-risley-1968
Written from standard measurement practice in applied behavior analysis. No textbook glossary consulted.
This entry has not yet been through clinical review. Treat it as a draft.