Frequency
In Plain Language
The number of times a defined behavior occurs during an observation.
ABA Definition
A count of discrete response occurrences within a specified observation period.
Everyday Example
You count four phone calls during the afternoon.
ABA Example
An observer records six independent requests during a 20-minute session.
How It May Be Used
Always report the observation length when comparing counts.
Commonly Confused With
Here frequency means count; rate divides count by time. Some professional sources use frequency and rate interchangeably, so check the units.