How is Total count IOA calculated?

Total count interobserver agreement (IOA) is calculated by taking the smaller count from two observers and dividing it by the larger count, then multiplying by 100% to convert it into a percentage. This method is effective in assessing the degree of agreement between two observers when they are recording the same event or behavior.

The use of the smaller count relative to the larger count allows researchers and practitioners to understand the extent of agreement in their observations, emphasizing the consistency of data collection between the observers. A high percentage indicates a strong agreement and reliability in the data collected, which is particularly critical in the context of behavior analysis and interventions for individuals with autism.

Other methods of calculating IOA, such as looking at sums, total intervals, or averaging counts, do not provide the same clarity in determining the reliability of the observations. By focusing on the smaller count compared to the larger one, this approach directly quantifies the level of agreement rather than calculating averages or totals that may obscure discrepancies in the counts recorded by different observers.