How is frequency defined in the context of measurement procedures?

Frequency is defined as the count of occurrences of a specific behavior within a designated observation time. This measure provides concrete data reflecting how often a behavior occurs, which can be essential for understanding patterns and making decisions regarding interventions. This straightforward counting mechanism allows practitioners to gauge the intensity and prevalence of a behavior, aiding in assessing effectiveness and progress in behavioral interventions.

In the context of the other options, duration of behavior refers to how long a behavior lasts rather than the number of times it occurs. Time between responses measures the latency or delay before a subsequent occurrence, which is not the same as counting occurrences. Behavior over intervals typically involves measuring behaviors over specified time intervals, focusing more on the distribution rather than frequency. Therefore, the definition of frequency, as the count per observation time, is paramount in applied behavior analysis for tracking and understanding behavior patterns accurately.