Which method would be the most appropriate for measuring the duration of a behavior?

The most appropriate method for measuring the duration of a behavior is timing how long the behavior occurs. This direct measurement approach allows you to capture the exact length of time that the behavior is present, providing a clear and objective understanding of its duration. This is particularly important for behaviors that are meant to be reduced or increased, as knowing the exact duration helps in tracking progress and the effectiveness of interventions.

In contrast, interval recording and time sampling are indirect methods that do not capture the actual duration of behavior but instead provide a measure of occurrence within specified intervals or time windows. These methods may provide estimates of when a behavior occurs but lack the precision needed for measuring how long it lasts. Conducting a preference assessment, while useful for determining what items or activities might reinforce a behavior, is not relevant for measuring the duration of a specific behavior. Thus, timing how long the behavior occurs is clearly the best approach for obtaining accurate duration data.