Which of the following behaviors is most likely to be recorded with frequency counts?

The behavior most likely to be recorded with frequency counts is engaging in self-injurious behavior. Frequency counting is particularly effective for behaviors that are discrete and can be clearly defined, such as self-injurious acts. This method allows practitioners to tally the number of instances the behavior occurs within a given time period, making it easier to track changes over time and assess the effectiveness of interventions.

Engaging in self-injurious behavior often requires immediate data collection to understand the intensity and frequency of the behavior, which is critical for developing strategies to reduce its occurrence. Effective intervention planning relies on pinpointing the frequency of such harmful behaviors to guide decision-making.

The other behaviors listed may not lend themselves as easily to frequency counts. For instance, speaking in sentences can vary greatly in length and complexity, making it challenging to quantify simply by counting the number of times sentences are spoken. Coloring in a book could be more continuous and less discrete, as it involves various actions and could be influenced by many factors, whether it’s the duration or quality of the activity. Listening quietly is more of a passive behavior that doesn’t necessarily have a clear frequency count, as it might be more about duration or attentiveness rather than the number of occurrences.