ABC Data Collection - time for a refresher?

Amy Such
Feb 11
3 min read

ABC data is an evidence-based approach, grounded in behavioural psychology, that helps us understand why a behaviour is occurring and/or what is maintaining that behaviour. It focuses on observable events before, during and after a behaviour, and encourages us to think about how a person communicates their needs.

ABC data is certainly nothing new - it was first used in the 1960s, with it becoming popular alongside the rise of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) in the 1980s. And whilst we gradually move away from a behaviourist approach in schools to that of a relational approach, still ABC data can provide us with real insight into what our young people might be trying to tell us.

What do we mean when we talk about ABC data?

A – Antecedent	This is what happens *immediately before* the behaviour. It might include environmental events, demands, transitions, people present, time of day, noise or change in routine.
B – Behaviour	This is the *observable and measurable* action. It’s important that it is described objectively, without interpretation, judgement or emotion.
C – Consequence	This is what happens *immediately after* the behaviour. This might include responses from others and changes to the environment that may reinforce (increase) or reduce the behaviour.

On the surface, collecting ABC data can seem like a straightforward task. But there are some pitfalls we must be careful to avoid.

If you’ve decided you need to collect ABC data, the likelihood is that something isn’t working quite the way you’d like it to. Often, in these situations, the behaviour might have been going on for a while and you might feel like you’ve exhausted all options. Remaining objective and removing emotion and judgement can therefore be really challenging.

Remember, stay objective!

The best way to do this is to think about the senses: what can you see, hear, touch, smell and taste? Then think about how this would compare if a stranger walked in off the street and was asked to record the same incident. Would their record look the same as yours? Hopefully yes! But if not, have you maybe begun to make inferences, or perhaps drawn on prior knowledge or judgements?

Equally, keep your records short and concise. At the start of each ABC data chart, provide a clearly defined, objective description of the behaviour – something that leaves no room for interpretation so anyone could gather the data. Then stick with this definition! Look for what is happening immediately before and immediately after. Any more information than that and you’ve potentially recorded more than one behavioural incident!

Collecting data – some dos and don’ts

DO keep the situation as natural as possible

DO record your data as soon as possible after the event

DO keep your record objective and factual

DO make sure you're observing across times and settings

DON'T try to manipulate the situation

DON'T let emotions influence your record - avoid recording how you think people are feeling or their intentions

DON'T analysis the data until you've collected enough

Not sure where to begin? Take a look at this worked example...

And then download a template for yourself!

Happy Data Collection!

If you have any questions or would like further information or training on these approaches, please get in touch via hello@goldenthreadpsychology.co.uk or by phoning 07452 702287.