Which of the following is a method of data collection used in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)?

Direct observation, such as frequency recording, is a fundamental method of data collection in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). This method involves systematically recording the number of times a specific behavior occurs within a set period. This type of data collection allows practitioners to quantify behavior in real-time, providing clear, measurable outcomes that can be analyzed and monitored over time.

By employing direct observation, behavior analysts can ensure that their assessments are based on objective and observable data, which is crucial for effective intervention planning and evaluation. This method helps avoid reliance on subjective reports, ensuring that the interventions are biologically and behaviorally relevant, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment provided.

While indirect assessments, group interviews, and self-report surveys are also valuable tools within ABA, they primarily provide supplementary information rather than direct insights into behavior occurrences. Indirect assessments may rely on the perspectives of others rather than direct behavior observation, and self-report surveys can be influenced by personal bias, which may not always accurately capture the behavior under consideration.