Which time sampling method requires the observer to record if the target behavior occurred at any time during the interval?

The method that requires the observer to record if the target behavior occurred at any time during the interval is known as Partial Interval Recording. In this approach, the observation period is divided into intervals, and the observer notes whether the behavior of interest occurred at any point within each interval. This means that if the behavior happens even once during the specified time frame, it is marked as having occurred, regardless of how long it lasted.

This method is particularly useful in situations where the frequency of behavior is important but might not occur continuously throughout the observation period. It allows practitioners to capture instances of behavior without needing to document the exact duration or frequency specifically during those intervals.

The other methods listed operate differently; for example, Momentary Time Sampling would require the observer to record behavior only at the exact moment that the interval ends, Continuous Recording entails documenting every occurrence of behavior throughout the entire observation period, and Event Sampling focuses on specific events rather than time intervals.