Using Microsoft Excel® to Build a Customized Partial-Interval Data Collection System
A free Excel file turns your laptop into a HIPAA-safe partial-interval timer and graphing machine.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Morris et al. (2018) wrote a how-to paper. It shows you how to build a partial-interval data sheet inside Excel. You add dropdown menus, timestamps, and live graphs. No coding or expensive apps are needed. The tool stays on your laptop, so HIPAA worries drop.
What they found
The paper does not test kids or clients. It simply gives you the file and the steps. After you copy the formulas, the sheet scores behavior bins and graphs the line for you. You save minutes every session.
How this fits with other research
Lerner et al. (2012) came first. They taught Excel macros for delay-discounting graphs. Morris keeps the same spirit but switches the task to partial-interval recording.
Deochand (2017) and Fuller et al. (2019) showed how to auto-draw phase-change lines. Morris links those lines to partial-interval data, so the graph updates the moment you pick a behavior code.
Lehardy et al. (2021) went further. They wrapped Excel graph steps into a short video plus checklist. College students hit 94 % accuracy. Morris gives you the raw tool; Lehardy proves trainees can master it fast.
Why it matters
You can download the sheet today and use it in home, clinic, or school. It costs nothing, needs no Wi-Fi, and keeps data on your device. Swap the behaviors in the dropdown list and you are ready for the next client. One template handles aggression, on-task, or peer talk without extra paper.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Using data to inform treatment decisions is a hallmark of behavior analysis. However, collecting the type of data that behavior analysts often require can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming task. Electronic data collection systems have been identified as a tool to alleviate some of the issues related to data collection, but many obstacles still exist. Current limitations of electronic data collection systems include cost, adaptability, ease of use, and compliance with privacy and security guidelines. The purpose of this article is to offer practitioners an alternative to buying an electronic data collection system by providing a task analysis on how to build customized electronic data collection systems using Microsoft Excel®. This task analysis is written for individuals with limited or no experience working with Excel® but may also be of utility to individuals fluent in Excel®. This task analysis is organized into three sections: (a) creating a basic electronic data collection table with dropdown menus and autofill features, (b) creating a timestamp for all data entered, and (c) creating automatically graphing displays of data. The online version of this article (10.1007/s40617-018-0259-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Behavior Analysis in Practice, 2018 · doi:10.1007/s40617-018-0259-3