Compare independent and assisted steps in a fixed fictional task sequence while preserving the total step count.
Define what you are recording
A sequence is divided into explicitly written observable steps. Each step is scored once using the agreed rule. This example records aggregate independent and prompted steps; a separate step-level record is needed to locate the specific steps.
The fictional sequence is preparing an activity tray: choose a tray, collect two materials, place them and mark the tray ready. The clinician selects any real sequence and its supports.
Collect the data consistently
Write and version the step list before collecting data.
Score each step once and retain steps that were not completed in the total when the rule requires it.
Record a new phase or target when steps are added, removed or redefined.
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.
Independent steps: Whole-number count of scored steps completed independently using the agreed scoring rule. For example, 4 independent out of 6 total scored steps gives 66.7%.
Prompted steps: Optional whole-number count of steps completed with the defined assistance. Keep these separate from independent steps; the two counts cannot exceed total scored steps.
Total steps: Total scored steps in the same defined step list, including unsuccessful scored steps. Use a positive whole number; exclude steps with no observation under your agreed rule.
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.
Task analysis recording sheet
Date
Target
Phase
Independent steps
Prompted steps
Total steps
Notes
2026-01-05
Fictional task-sequence
Observation A
3
1
5
One step not completed; version A
2026-01-07
Fictional task-sequence
Observation A
2
2
5
Version A
2026-01-09
Fictional task-sequence
Observation A
4
1
5
Version A
2026-01-12
Fictional task-sequence
Observation B
3
2
6
Version B adds one step
2026-01-14
Fictional task-sequence
Observation B
4
1
6
Version B
2026-01-16
Fictional task-sequence
Observation B
3
2
6
Fictional recording only
Review and interpretation
Three independent steps of five means 60% for this step list. It does not describe performance on a different or longer sequence.
Changing from five steps to six changes the denominator.
Aggregate percentages hide which step needed assistance.
Steps completed by another person are not independent steps.