GoalTallyQuick answer: Frequency (event) recording counts how many times a behavior happens during an observation. Make one tally mark per occurrence and total them at the end. If observation times vary, convert the count to a rate: count ÷ minutes observed gives a rate per minute, and multiplying by 60 gives a rate per hour. Six call-outs in a 30-minute lesson is 0.2 per minute, or 12 per hour.
When frequency recording works best
- The behavior has a clear start and end: hitting, hand-raising, calling out, requests, swearing.
- Each occurrence is fairly short, so it's obvious when one ends and the next begins.
- For behaviors that happen too fast to count or last a long time, use interval recording or duration recording instead.
Count or rate?
| Situation | What to graph | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Every observation is the same length | Count per session | Simple and directly comparable. |
| Observation lengths vary | Rate per minute or per hour | Removes the effect of longer or shorter observations. |
| Several short observations in a day | Total count ÷ total minutes | One comparable number per day. |
How to use the sheet
- Name the behaviors (up to three) and add an operational definition so everyone counts the same thing.
- Start the row: write the date and start time when you begin observing.
- Tally each occurrence in that behavior's tally box.
- Close the row: write the end time, the total for each behavior and the minutes observed.
- Work out the rate, or score on screen with the +1 buttons and the timer, and the rate is calculated and graphed for you.
Writing a definition two people would agree on
A good definition describes what the behavior looks like, not why it happens, and says what counts as one occurrence. For example: Calling out: speaking to the teacher during whole-class instruction without raising a hand and being called on. Each separate statement counts once; repeating the same statement within 3 seconds counts once. With a clear definition, two observers watching the same lesson should get the same count.
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between frequency and rate?
Frequency usually means the count of occurrences. Rate is the count divided by the observation time, such as 12 per hour. Use rate whenever observation lengths differ.
How do I count behaviors that come in bursts?
Decide in advance what separates one occurrence from the next, for example 3 seconds without the behavior, and write it into the definition.
Can I track more than one behavior?
Yes, up to three. Each gets its own tally and total columns. On screen, each has its own +1 button and its own line on the graph.
How do I graph frequency data?
Label the y-axis with the unit, such as “Responses per hour”, and plot one point per session. On-screen scoring adds the point to the goal's graph automatically.
More free graphs and data sheets
Last updated · Written by the MiniTools team.