What does the term duration refer to in behavior analysis?

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In behavior analysis, duration specifically refers to the length of time a behavior occurs from its onset to its offset. This measurement is crucial for understanding not just if a behavior is happening, but how long it persists during a given observation. For example, if a child engages in a tantrum, measuring the duration would allow the behavior analyst to understand whether the tantrum is brief or prolonged, which can inform interventions or strategies for behavior modification.

Recognizing the duration of a behavior can help in evaluating its function and severity, and tracking changes over time when interventions are applied. This measurement is different from the total number of occurrences, which focuses on frequency, and from speed or response time, which pertains to how quickly a behavior is executed. Thus, measuring duration provides insights into the intensity and impact of the behavior exhibited.

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