A Low‐tech Method for Conducting Real‐time Recording

In a recent issue of JABA, Kahng and Iwata (1998) reviewed the commercially available computerized systems for collecting real-time observational data.In discussing the value of computerized scoring, they suggested that these systems can improve reliability and accuracy of behavioral recording relative to more cumbersome paper-andpencil methods.Their review of the computerized systems showed that, because the systems collect real-time data, they all had the flexibility to record a number of different dimensions of the target behavior, including frequency (rate), duration, interresponse time, and latency, and could accommodate interval and time-sample recording.Although computerized data collection is becoming more widespread in behavior-analytic research, with more companies developing computerized scoring systems, there is another method available that researchers or clinicians can use to conduct real-time recording.We have been using a low-tech method that does not rely on computer systems but produces most of the same realtime outcomes as the computerized systems described by Kahng and Iwata.We use a real-time scoring system in our research on habit disorders in children and problem behaviors in individuals with mental retardation to record a variety of target behaviors.The system involves videotaping the subject in the observation session, typically in the home, school, or work setting,