Case Study: Jason and His Messy Desk
Jason, a 10-year-old student with ADHD, struggles with keeping his workspace tidy. His teacher, Ms. Lopez, wants to track whether Jason is independently cleaning up his desk at the end of each school day. However, standing over Jason and counting every time he puts away a pencil or stacks his books would be time-consuming and unnecessary.
Instead, Ms. Lopez and the school’s Behavior Analyst decide to use permanent product recording to track Jason’s behavior. At the end of each day, they will take a quick picture of Jason’s desk to measure how well he has cleaned up. This method allows them to collect objective data without needing to observe Jason in action.
What is Permanent Product Recording?
Permanent product recording is a method of data collection where you measure the outcome of a behavior rather than the behavior itself. Instead of directly observing a behavior as it happens, you evaluate what it leaves behind—a “permanent product.”
Examples of Permanent Products:
✔️ Completed worksheets (measuring work completion)
✔️ Written essays (measuring quality of responses)
✔️ A cleaned-up room (measuring independent task completion)
✔️ Number of dishes washed (measuring work productivity)
✔️ Text messages sent (measuring social interactions)
In Jason’s case, the cleanliness of his desk at the end of the day serves as the permanent product.
When to Use Permanent Product Recording
Permanent product recording is ideal when:
✔️ The behavior results in a lasting, measurable product that can be reviewed later.
✔️ Direct observation is unnecessary or impractical (e.g., counting how many assignments were completed instead of watching the student write).
✔️ You need objective data to assess skill acquisition or behavior change.
When It’s Not Ideal:
❌ When the behavior doesn’t leave behind a measurable product (e.g., talking out in class).
❌ When you need real-time information (e.g., tracking the duration of tantrums).
Why Use Permanent Product Recording?
✅ Less Intrusive – No need to observe the behavior in real time.
✅ More Practical – Can be measured at any time after the behavior occurs.
✅ Objective & Reliable – Based on tangible, observable results.
✅ Encourages Independence – Great for tracking task completion.
For Jason, this method means he isn’t being monitored constantly, which might make him feel self-conscious. Instead, he knows that at the end of the day, his desk will be checked—promoting personal responsibility.
How to Use Permanent Product Recording Effectively
1️⃣ Define the Target Behavior Clearly
- Example: “Jason will leave no more than two items out of place on his desk at the end of the school day.”
2️⃣ Specify the Measurement Criteria
- Will you measure completion, accuracy, quality, or quantity?
- In Jason’s case, the teacher might rate his desk on a scale from 1 to 5 based on neatness.
3️⃣ Ensure Consistency
- All team members should collect and evaluate data in the same way to ensure reliability.
4️⃣ Use Technology When Possible
- Photos, digital checklists, and apps can help streamline data collection.
Final Thoughts
Permanent product recording is a powerful and efficient way to collect data in ABA. It provides an objective, low-effort way to track behavior over time without requiring real-time observation.
In Jason’s case, his teacher and Behavior Analyst can review his desk cleanliness at the end of each day without interfering with his routine. This method not only provides valuable data but also encourages independence and accountability.
So, next time you’re tracking a skill that leaves behind a measurable result—whether it’s a completed worksheet, a cleaned-up area, or a written response—remember: You don’t need to see the behavior to measure progress!