Three Alternatives for Graphing Behavioral Data: A Comparison of Usability and Acceptability.
Use Standard Behavior Graphs for quick trend checks and equal-interval graphs for fast, accurate plotting.
01Research in Context
What this study did
The team ran a randomized trial with three graph types. They asked people to plot data, write labels, and spot trends.
Tasks were timed and scored for accuracy. Participants also rated how easy each graph felt to use.
What they found
Equal-interval graphs won on plotting speed and writing accuracy. The Standard Behavior Graph (SBG) won on reading trends fastest.
Users liked equal-interval and SBG formats about the same. Semi-log came in last for both speed and liking.
How this fits with other research
O'Grady et al. (2021) showed that a short computer lesson teaches students to read AB graphs. Their study used equal-interval graphs, the same format that scored highest here for plotting.
Blair et al. (2019) taught graph rules with equivalence-based instruction. Their learners also used equal-interval graphs, matching the format that Pettingell et al. (2022) found easiest to plot.
Vecchia et al. (2025) taught Excel graphing with general-case training. They focused on making graphs, while L et al. focused on using them — together they cover both sides of the graphing skill coin.
Why it matters
If you need staff to build graphs fast and error-free, stick with equal-interval paper. If you want them to spot trends during supervision, give them Standard Behavior Graph templates. Swap formats based on the task — no single graph wins every race.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Making treatment decisions based upon graphed data is important in helping professions. A small amount of research has compared usability between equal-interval and semi-log graphs, but no prior studies have compared different types of semi-log graphs. Using a randomized, cross-over, experimental design with 72 participants, this study examined the relative usability and acceptability of three types of graphs: Regular (equal-interval), Standard Celeration Chart (SCC; semi-log), and Standard Behavior Graph (SBG; semi-log). All participants used each graph across three usability tasks (Plotting Data, Writing Values, and Interpreting Trends). For the Plotting and Writing tasks, the equal-interval graph produced the greatest rate of correct responses. However, for the Interpreting task the SBG produced the greatest rate of corrects, while the equal-interval graph produced the smallest rate. User acceptability mainly favored the equal-interval and SBG graphs. Study findings and implications are discussed with respect to graph usability and acceptability during day-to-day practice.
Behavior modification, 2022 · doi:10.1177/0145445520946321