Chosen activity duration sheet

Explore how an observable activity definition and start/stop rule affect recorded duration without using attention as a guess.

Define what you are recording

The example times active participation in a chosen activity using visible actions defined by the team. Looking away alone is not used to infer disengagement. The record says what was observed rather than what someone was thinking.

A fictional participant chooses a construction activity. The timer records one agreed episode, with a stated rule for breaks and the end of the activity.

Collect the data consistently

  • Describe observable participation and the pause rule.
  • Use one row per episode, or a clearly labeled session total; do not mix the two.
  • Keep materials, supports and observation length in notes when they change.

How to complete each data sheet column

Use the stated units and distinguish an observed zero from a missing observation.

  • Date: Date of this observation. Use YYYY-MM-DD, for example 2026-10-09. Rows are ordered by date; equal spacing on the graph does not represent elapsed calendar time.
  • Target: Short fictional or de-identified label for the one activity being observed. Use the same target throughout this report; keep its agreed definition in your approved record.
  • Phase: Optional label for the observation conditions, such as Observation A. A change creates a chart marker; it does not demonstrate a treatment effect.
  • Duration: Total observed time for the defined activity. Enter a non-negative number in the unit chosen next; 90 seconds and 1.5 minutes both graph as 1.5 minutes.
  • Unit: Choose seconds or minutes to match the entered duration. The report converts seconds to minutes; this setting does not change your source value.
  • Notes: Optional observation context or recording limitation. Exclude names, contact details and other identifiable clinical information.

Fictional worked example

These are original fictional observations, not patient records or a treatment recommendation.

Chosen activity duration sheet
DateTargetPhaseDurationUnitNotes
2026-01-05Fictional task-engagementObservation A4.5minutesOne fictional episode
2026-01-07Fictional task-engagementObservation A6minutesSame chosen activity
2026-01-09Fictional task-engagementObservation A5minutesEpisode; break excluded
2026-01-12Fictional task-engagementObservation B7minutesLonger activity available
2026-01-14Fictional task-engagementObservation B5.5minutesDifferent materials
2026-01-16Fictional task-engagementObservation B6.5minutesNo clinical conclusion

Review and interpretation

A longer recorded episode may reflect a longer available activity rather than a meaningful change. Review opportunity length and preferences.

  • Episode duration and total session duration answer different questions.
  • Visual gaze alone may not represent participation.
  • A chosen break should not be labeled failure.

Questions for the clinical team

  • What observable actions count?
  • Are breaks included or excluded?
  • Is this an episode or session total?

Further reading