Definition
Cumulative Record refers to a type of graph in which the total number of responses is continuously added over time during each observation period. The graph shows the cumulative number of responses, meaning the line never decreases, only stays level or increases, giving a visual representation of the overall progress or trends in behavior.
Example
A behavior analyst is tracking how often a child practices saying a new word. Each time the child says the word, the occurrence is recorded, and the number is added to the total from previous observation periods. Over time, the cumulative record shows an upward trend, indicating an increase in the child’s word usage. If the line levels off, it means the behavior has stopped increasing during that period, which might indicate the need for a change in the intervention.