Most behaviour analytic measurement procedures involve recording some dimensions of a behaviour in real time. In contrast, permanent product measures the effect of a behaviour on an environment.
For example, if working with a young child who is learning to write letters, you could observe them writing a letter directly and record the frequency of correct responses. Alternatively, you could measure using permanent product ? taking a worksheet and using the outcome of the behaviour to measure the number of correct responses.
In order to use permanent product recording, the behaviour of interest needs to have some concrete and permanent (or semi-permanent) impact on the learner?s environment. That impact needs to be observable.
For example, Jaqueline is working in her craft class and is completing needlework. Her instructor, Alison, records the number of lines that Jack has added to his needlework at the end of the class on a data sheet.
In this scenario, Alison can use permanent product, because the target behaviour (stitching) leaves a lasting impact on an aspect of the environment.
Other examples, of behaviours that could be measured using permanent product include
- Painting
- Folding towels
- Writing emails
- Assembling items of furniture
- Completing Maths problems
Recording audio or visual ? provided you have consent to do so ? also produces a type of permanent product. Upon reviewing this ?product? you can record dimensions of the behaviour based on the recording.