Latency recording is a different type of duration recording that involves an observer measuring how long it takes for a behavior to begin after a specific verbal demand or event has occurred.

Latency recording measures the amount of time that lapses between an antecedent (e.g., teacher's directive) and when the student begins to perform a specified behavior. This type of data collection is appropriate for behaviors that follow a command or directive, or a distinct stimulus.

Latency recording requires some way of measuring time. A wall clock, wristwatch, or stopwatches are all instruments that can be used to record latency. Sometimes videotaping or audiotape recording can capture what is happening in the classroom and can be reviewed at a later date.

Latency Recording: The measurement of elapsed time between the onset of a stimulus or signal and the initiation of a specified behavior, a stopwatch can easily be used to record the amount of time between the signal or directive given and the moment the behavior is initiated. Report both the average and total latency.

If a child cries whenever a toy is in view but out of reach, it can be useful to find out the latency before crying. The teacher can then prompt the child to request the toy before he begins to cry and therefore prevent problem behavior. Latency recording requires some way of measuring time.

Examples of response latency include the time between a doctor giving a shot to a baby and the baby crying, the time between a mom ringing a bell and the family coming to dinner, and the time between an alarm clock ringing and a sleepy man hitting the snooze button.

Special Considerations: Latency and Duration both measure time; however, latency is how long it takes to start the behavior and duration is how long the behavior lasts. As with duration, latency can also be difficult at times to record the exact length of time it takes for the behavior to start.