A Tutorial on Countee – Benefits and Use

Introduction

Objective data collection is a fundamental aspect of behavior analysis. Traditionally, behavior analysts have relied on paper-pencil methods to record behaviors, but with advancements in technology, electronic data collection tools have become increasingly popular.

One such tool is Countee, a free electronic data collection application designed for behavior analysts and researchers. Despite its growing use in applied settings, there has been no published tutorial detailing how to get started with Countee.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of electronic data collection, walk through Countee’s features, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to use the app effectively. This guide is based on the recent work of Slanzi and Fernand (2024) published in Behavior Analysis in Practice (DOI: 10.1007/s40617-024-00964-8).

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What is Countee?

Countee is a free data collection app available on both iOS and Android that allows users to track behaviors using frequency and duration recording. Developed for professionals in behavior analysis, this tool provides a simple and efficient alternative to paper-based methods. Within the app, users can create customizable templates to track specific behaviors and later export their data for further analysis in Excel or other statistical software.

Despite its practical applications, Countee has not yet had a widely available user guide, making it an underutilized but valuable tool for professionals and researchers.

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Why Choose Electronic Data Collection Over Paper-Pencil Methods?

Electronic data collection offers multiple advantages over traditional paper-pencil methods, including:

1. Fewer Errors: Reduces calculation mistakes and prevents data loss.
2. Faster Data Analysis: Automatically exports data into CSV files for quick processing in Excel.
3. Increased Security: Time-stamped entries minimize errors and ensure accuracy.
4. Simultaneous Behavior Tracking: Records multiple behaviors in real-time.
5. Remote Data Sharing: Facilitates collaboration among behavior analysts and researchers.
6. Eliminates Additional Tools: Replaces the need for separate timers, counters, and paper logs.
7. Real-time Validation: Ensures accuracy by preventing conflicting entries.
8. Discreet in Applied Settings: Can be used unobtrusively, unlike bulky notebooks.
9. Compatible With ABA Frameworks: Works seamlessly with common Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) data collection procedures.
10. Potential for HIPAA Compliance: Offers security features suited for clinical applications.

With these advantages, it is clear why behavior analysts are shifting toward electronic data collection systems like Countee.

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Countee Features

1. Electronic Keys for Frequency and Duration Data

• Users can set up digital buttons (or “keys”) for tracking behaviors.
• Behaviors can be categorized using dropdown qualifiers (e.g., aggression → hitting, biting).
• The mutual exclusivity feature prevents users from simultaneously marking incompatible behaviors.

2. Data Output and File Management

• Generates second-by-second time-stamped event logs for accuracy.
• Provides a summary of total occurrences and durations of each recorded behavior.
• Saves data in CSV format, allowing compatibility with Excel and other statistical tools.
• Supports multiple sharing options, including email, Dropbox, messaging, and AirDrop.

3. Customization for Clinical and Research Use

• Allows users to create multiple templates to fit different research or therapy needs.
• Features color-coding for better organization of behaviors.
• Incorporates error-handling measures to prevent accidental data loss or mis-entry.

These features make Countee an invaluable tool for applied settings, streamlining data collection while improving reliability and efficiency.

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How to Set Up Countee for Data Collection

Step 1: Create a New Data Collection Template

1. Open the Countee application on your device.
2. Tap the "+" icon, which opens the template creation menu.
3. Name the template based on the behavior type or study focus (e.g., “Aggressive Behavior Tracking”).

Step 2: Add Behavior Categories

1. Select “Add Key” to create a new behavior tracking button.
2. Label the behavior key (e.g., “Hitting” or “Screaming”).
3. Specify whether the key tracks frequency or duration.
4. (Optional) Add qualifiers for subcategories (e.g., aggression → hitting, biting).

Step 3: Start Recording Data

1. Open the created template during a session.
2. Tap the behavior keys as behaviors occur.
3. If tracking duration, tap once to start the timer and again to stop it.

Step 4: Export and Analyze Data

1. At the end of a session, navigate to the “Export” menu.
2. Select preferred file format (CSV recommended).
3. Share the file via email, Dropbox, AirDrop, or messaging apps.
4. Open the file in Excel or a data analysis tool to review trends and frequencies.

Using this straightforward setup, behavior analysts can streamline data collection without the hassle of manual recording.

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Real-World Applications of Countee

Behavior analysts and researchers can benefit from using Countee in multiple settings, including:

• Clinical ABA therapy: Tracking problem behaviors and skill acquisition during therapy sessions.
• Educational settings: Monitoring student behaviors in classrooms to implement behavior intervention plans.
• Research studies: Gathering real-time behavioral data for experimental analysis.
• Organizational behavior management: Analyzing employee behaviors in workplace settings for performance improvement.

By integrating Countee into daily practice, professionals can benefit from a more efficient, accurate, and practical data collection method.

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Conclusion

Countee provides behavior analysts and researchers with a simple yet powerful alternative to traditional data collection methods. Its user-friendly interface, customization options, and reliable data export features make it a useful tool for those working in applied settings.

By making data collection more efficient, accurate, and accessible, Countee aligns well with modern behavior analytic practices. If you are still using paper-pencil methods, now is the time to explore the advantages of this electronic data collection tool.

For further details on Countee and its applications, refer to the original research by Slanzi and Fernand (2024) published in Behavior Analysis in Practice (DOI: 10.1007/s40617-024-00964-8).