How is mean duration per occurrence calculated?

How is mean duration per occurrence calculated?

• A. Sum (duration IOAs)/total behaviors x 100%
• B. Sum of durations divided by the number of intervals
• C. Sum of durations divided by the number of occurrences
• D. Sum of occurrences divided by total intervals

Answer: (C)

Calculating mean duration per occurrence involves determining the average duration of a specific behavior across all occurrences. This is achieved by summing the durations of each instance of the behavior and then dividing that total by the number of occurrences of the behavior. This method provides a clear understanding of how long, on average, each instance lasts, which can be crucial in assessing and modifying behavior. The other options do not accurately represent this calculation. For instance, summing durations divided by the number of intervals would not reflect the actual occurrences of the behavior, as it could misrepresent instances by including irrelevant intervals. Meanwhile, summing occurrences divided by total intervals would not provide insight into the behavior's duration, only looking at frequency rather than time metrics. Therefore, focusing on the total duration divided by the number of actual occurrences gives a precise mean duration per occurrence.

Calculating mean duration per occurrence involves determining the average duration of a specific behavior across all occurrences. This is achieved by summing the durations of each instance of the behavior and then dividing that total by the number of occurrences of the behavior. This method provides a clear understanding of how long, on average, each instance lasts, which can be crucial in assessing and modifying behavior.

The other options do not accurately represent this calculation. For instance, summing durations divided by the number of intervals would not reflect the actual occurrences of the behavior, as it could misrepresent instances by including irrelevant intervals. Meanwhile, summing occurrences divided by total intervals would not provide insight into the behavior's duration, only looking at frequency rather than time metrics. Therefore, focusing on the total duration divided by the number of actual occurrences gives a precise mean duration per occurrence.