Momentary Time Sampling for groups A. Event Recording B. Head Count C. PLA-CHECK
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. PLA-CHECK (Planned Activity Check).
Explanation:
Momentary Time Sampling (MTS) is a behavior observation method where an observer records whether a behavior is occurring at specific moments in time. This method is often used for estimating the proportion of time a behavior occurs within a certain period. MTS is useful for observing groups or individuals, and one common variant used for group observation is PLA-CHECK.
PLA-CHECK (Planned Activity Check) is a form of MTS specifically designed for group settings. In this method, the observer checks whether each member of a group is engaged in a target behavior at the end of pre-designated intervals. Rather than observing each group member continuously, the observer notes how many individuals are performing the behavior at the moment the observation is made. This data can then be used to calculate the percentage of the group engaged in the desired activity over time.
How PLA-CHECK Works:
- Select a Target Behavior: The behavior of interest is identified (e.g., listening during a lesson or staying on-task during a group activity).
- Define Time Intervals: Specific moments or intervals for observation are pre-determined (e.g., every 10 minutes).
- Record Engagement: At the end of each interval, the observer checks how many individuals in the group are engaged in the target behavior at that moment and records the number.
- Analyze Data: The proportion of individuals participating in the target behavior is calculated based on the observations.
Advantages of PLA-CHECK:
- It allows for easy monitoring of large groups.
- It reduces the observer’s workload compared to continuous recording.
- It provides a clear snapshot of group behavior without requiring extensive documentation.
This method contrasts with Event Recording (A) and Head Count (B). Event Recording tracks each occurrence of a behavior throughout a set time, while Head Count might simply tally people in an area or activity, not focusing on behavior moment-to-moment.