Essential Learning
Review the example scatterplots below to see how scatterplot recording can be used to identify patterns in behavior across times, routines, activities, or days. You can view each example on the page, enlarge it, or open the full image in a new tab.
Read the legend: These forms use different symbols and recording rules. Follow your supervisor’s instructions. Distinguish observed non-occurrence from missing observations; a blank must not ambiguously mean both.
Describe patterns, not causes: Scatterplots highlight times and routines for further investigation. They do not establish behavioral function or causation. In Example 3, hourly cells cannot show that behavior occurred precisely half an hour after medication. Report observations to your supervisor without drawing medical conclusions or changing medication.
Essential Video
The St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency produced the following video to explain how to use scatterplot recording. In this example, data is collected not only on behavior occurrence but also on the reactive interventions staff used in response. While this dual recording is relatively uncommon, the video offers a useful demonstration of how scatterplots may be adapted in practice depending on your supervisor’s instructions.
Recording is not endorsement: Recording staff responses does not endorse those procedures. Follow approved plans and your supervisor’s instructions. Do not use harmful, degrading, painful or dehumanizing practices.
Conversation Exercise
Complete the Conversation Exercise with FRED, our AI-powered chatbot to reinforce your understanding of scatterplot recording and its applications in behavioral assessment.
Click for instructions on accessing and using FRED
Click the conversation icon in the bottom right corner of your screen, or open FRED directly here.
For guidance on using FRED effectively, read our instructions here.
Reflection Exercise
After completing the scatterplot examples, video, and conversation exercise, submit your reflection below:
Reflection reminders
Use your own experience and thinking. Grammar and spelling are not assessed. If you use AI to brainstorm or improve your wording, keep the reflection personal and state: “I used AI to…” followed by how you used it.
If you submit early by mistake, email your completed reflection to connect@jigsawconnects.co.uk so we can add it to your course record.
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