The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is a Likert scale.
When collecting estimation data, a technician uses a system to approximate aspects of a behavior rather than recording every instance or its exact duration. A Likert scale is a primary tool for this type of data collection.
A Likert scale is a rating system used to quantify qualitative or subjective information. In a clinical or educational setting, a technician might use a 1 to 5 scale to rate the intensity or severity of a behavior, such as an outburst or a tantrum. For example, a rating of 1 could signify a mild instance with no property destruction, while a 5 could represent a severe instance involving aggression. This method is valuable when the quality of the behavior is more important than a simple count or when direct measurement is too difficult. The technician makes a professional judgment based on predefined criteria and records it as a numerical rating. This process converts an observation into quantifiable data that can be tracked and analyzed over time.
The other options are less precise or incorrect. While a technician can produce “duration estimates” or “frequency estimates,” the Likert scale is the specific instrument or method they would use to systematically record these estimations, particularly for qualitative aspects like intensity. The phrases “duration estimates” and “frequency estimates” describe the outcome of the estimation process, not the tool itself.
“Rate of responding” is incorrect because rate is not an estimation method. It is a calculated measure derived from direct measurement. To determine the rate, one must record the frequency (a direct count) of a behavior and divide it by a specific unit of time (e.g., 10 responses per minute). This requires precise data, not estimation. Therefore, a Likert scale is the most appropriate answer as it is a specific tool used for estimation data.
