Scatterplot
In functional assessment, a scatterplot is a grid recording whether and how often problem behavior occurs in each time block across days, to reveal time-of-day patterns.
A scatterplot data sheet lists times of day (for example, half-hour blocks) down one side and days across the top. For each block, the observer marks whether the behavior did not occur, occurred at a low rate, or occurred at a high rate, often using blank, slashed and filled cells. After one to several weeks, the grid shows whether the behavior clusters at certain times.
Scatterplot recording is a descriptive assessment method. A cluster of filled cells at 10:00 to 10:30 every weekday, for example, may line up with a specific activity, staff member or demand at that time. The supervisor can then focus further assessment on that period or adjust the schedule. If no pattern appears, the scatterplot has still told the team that time of day is not a strong predictor.
The scatterplot shows when behavior happens, not why. It does not record antecedents and consequences, so it is usually combined with ABC data or other methods. The term "scatterplot" is also used in statistics for a graph that plots points on two axes to show the relationship between two variables; on the RBT exam, in the context of functional assessment, it refers to the time-of-day grid.
Example and non-example
| Example | An RBT shades each half-hour cell in which a resident yells more than three times, and after two weeks the grid shows heavy shading around 4:00 to 5:00 p.m., when the shift changes. |
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| Non-example | A sheet listing what happened immediately before and after each instance of yelling is ABC data, not a scatterplot. |
Don't confuse it with
| ABC data | A scatterplot records when behavior happens across the day; ABC data record what happens before and after each occurrence. |
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| Line graph | A scatterplot in FBA is a time-of-day grid; a line graph connects session data over time to show trend and level. |
Test yourself
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Question 1A supervisor wants to know whether a client's aggression tends to occur at certain times of day over the next two weeks. Which tool would the RBT most likely be asked to fill in?
Show answer
C: A scatterplot. A scatterplot records whether and how often behavior occurs in each time block across many days, which reveals time-of-day patterns.
- A: A functional analysis tests conditions rather than tracking time patterns in daily routines.
- B: A preference assessment ranks preferred items.
- D: Permanent product recording measures lasting outcomes of behavior, which aggression does not reliably leave.
Task B.3 · 40-hour curriculum section D
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Question 2A scatterplot shows that a client's aggression happens mostly between 11:30 and 12:00 across two weeks, which is when the class moves to lunch. What does this pattern most directly tell the team?
Show answer
C: Aggression is more likely then, so that period needs closer study. A scatterplot shows when behavior occurs, not why. It helps the team focus further observation or assessment on the conditions present at that time.
- A: A time pattern alone does not identify the function.
- B: The scatterplot does not show which consequence follows the behavior.
- D: Low levels at other times do not show that extinction occurred.
Task B.3 · 40-hour curriculum section D
Answer every question to see your score.
On the RBT exam
This term belongs to task B.3 Functional assessment in content area B, Behavior Assessment, which is 8 of the 75 scored questions.