Frequency Recording: The Simplest Way to Track Behavior
Frequency recording counts how many times a behavior occurs. It's the simplest data collection method and perfect for discrete behaviors with clear beginnings and endings.
What is Frequency Recording?
Frequency recording (also called event recording or tally counting) is a behavior data collection method where you simply count each occurrence of a target behavior. It's the most straightforward approach to behavior tracking and works well for behaviors that are discrete, brief, and easy to count.
Frequency Recording is Best For:
- ✓Call-outs or blurting
- ✓Hand-raising (or not raising hand)
- ✓Physical aggression (hits, kicks)
- ✓Swearing or inappropriate language
- ✓Out-of-seat instances
- ✓Requests for help
- ✓Verbal initiations
- ✓Task completion (assignments finished)
Frequency Recording is NOT Ideal For:
- ✗Behaviors without clear start/end (fidgeting, self-stimulation)
- ✗Long-duration behaviors (tantrums, off-task) — use duration recording
- ✗High-rate behaviors that can't be counted (rapid stereotypy)
- ✗Behaviors where duration matters (time on-task, engagement)
How to Implement Frequency Recording
Define What Counts as "One"
Write a clear operational definition that specifies exactly what constitutes one instance of the behavior.
Example:
Call-out: Any verbalization directed at teacher or class without raising hand and being called on. Each sentence or phrase counts as one call-out. Pauses of 3+ seconds between verbalizations = separate instances.
Choose Your Observation Period
Select consistent times for data collection. Keep observation periods the same length for accurate comparison.
Pro Tip:
If you can't observe for equal times, always calculate rate (count ÷ time) instead of using raw counts.
Select a Counting Method
Choose a practical system that works in your setting:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Tally marks on paper | Simple, no tech needed | Paper can get lost |
| Digital counter/app | Easy one-tap counting | Needs device charged |
| Classroom Pulse | Adds context, graphs automatically | Requires account setup |
| Beads or paper clips | Discreet, tactile | Easy to miscount |
Record Every Instance
Count each occurrence during your observation period. Don't rely on memory — record immediately when the behavior occurs.
Calculate Rate for Comparison
Convert counts to rate for meaningful comparison across different observation periods.
Rate = Count ÷ Time (in consistent units)
- • 15 call-outs in 45 min = 0.33/min or 20/hour
- • 8 hits in 6-hour day = 1.33/hour
- • 3 requests in 30 min = 6/hour
Sample Frequency Data Sheet
Student: Jordan M.
Target Behavior: Call-outs (verbal statements without permission)
Observation Period: Math class (45 minutes daily)
| Date | Tally | Total Count | Time (min) | Rate/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon 12/2 | |||| |||| || | 12 | 45 | 16 |
| Tue 12/3 | |||| |||| |||| | 14 | 45 | 18.7 |
| Wed 12/4 | |||| |||| | 10 | 45 | 13.3 |
| Thu 12/5 | |||| |||| | | 11 | 45 | 14.7 |
| Fri 12/6 | |||| |||| |||| | | 16 | 45 | 21.3 |
| Week Avg | 12.6 | 45 | 16.8/hr |
What This Data Tells Us:
- • Baseline rate: ~16.8 call-outs per hour during math
- • Variability: Range of 10-16 per session (moderate variability)
- • Pattern: Friday shows highest rate — possible end-of-week fatigue
- • Goal-setting: A 50% reduction would target ~8 call-outs per hour
Frequently Asked Questions
What is frequency recording in behavior tracking?▼
Frequency recording (also called event recording) is a data collection method where you count each occurrence of a target behavior within a specified time period. It produces a simple count (e.g., "12 call-outs") or rate (e.g., "3 call-outs per hour"). It's best suited for discrete behaviors with clear beginnings and endings.
When should I use frequency recording vs. duration recording?▼
Use frequency recording when: the behavior has a clear start and end, each instance is brief (under 1 minute), you want to know how many times something occurs, and duration doesn't vary much. Use duration recording when: how long the behavior lasts is more important than count, behavior episodes vary significantly in length, or the behavior is continuous (like on-task behavior).
How do I calculate rate of behavior?▼
Rate = Total count ÷ Time observed. For example, if a student called out 15 times during a 45-minute class, the rate is 15 ÷ 45 = 0.33 call-outs per minute, or 15 ÷ 0.75 hours = 20 call-outs per hour. Rate is more useful than raw count because it allows comparison across different observation periods.
What behaviors are NOT good for frequency recording?▼
Avoid frequency recording for: behaviors that last a long time (tantrums, off-task), behaviors without clear beginnings/endings (fidgeting, anxiety), high-rate behaviors where counting is impossible (stereotypy, tics), and behaviors where duration matters more than count (time on-task, engagement).
How can I make frequency recording easier during instruction?▼
Tips for easier frequency recording: use a tally counter app on your phone or smartwatch, keep a simple tally sheet on a clipboard, use digital tools with one-tap logging like Classroom Pulse, transfer masking tape tally marks to paper later, or train paraprofessionals to assist with counting.
Count Behaviors Effortlessly
Classroom Pulse makes frequency recording as easy as a single tap. Automatic rate calculations and trend graphs included.