Latency recording
Last updated
Latency recording measures the time between a cue, such as a direction, and the moment the student begins to respond.
Topic: Measurement and data collection
In plain terms
Latency answers "how long does it take to start?" The timer starts when the cue is given, such as "take out your notebook," and stops when the student begins the response. It is useful for task initiation, following directions and transitions, where the problem is delay rather than refusal or lack of skill.
How it shows up in an IEP
Latency goals usually aim to shorten the time: "will begin the task within 60 seconds of the direction in 4 of 5 opportunities." The goal should say what counts as beginning, so different staff record the same thing.
Example
After the direction to start a writing task, a student takes 4, 6 and 5 minutes to pick up a pencil and write a first word. The goal targets beginning within 1 minute.
Not the same as Duration recording
Latency is the time before a behavior starts. Duration is how long the behavior lasts once it starts. Read the definition of Duration recording.
Related terms
- Duration recordingDuration recording measures how long a behavior lasts, from the moment it starts to the moment it ends.
- Operational definitionAn operational definition describes a behavior in observable, measurable terms, so different people would agree on whether it happened.
- Prompt hierarchyA prompt hierarchy is an ordered list of support levels, from most to least help or the reverse, used to teach a skill and record independence.
- Data sheetA data sheet is a form for recording a student's performance on an IEP goal in a consistent way each session.
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