DTT data collection sheet: how to record discrete trial training data
DTT data sheets record trial-by-trial ABA teaching data during sessions. Here's how to design an effective DTT data sheet and how digital data collection replaces paper sheets.
A DTT data collection sheet is the paper or digital form used to record each discrete trial during an ABA session — tracking whether the response was correct, prompted, or incorrect for every trial of every skill target. Across a 2-hour session with 5–8 skill targets and 10–20 trials per target, an RBT might record 50–160 individual trial outcomes. The quality and consistency of this data directly determines the quality of clinical decisions the supervising BCBA can make.
What a good dtt data collection sheet includes
Every section has a purpose. Here's what to include and why.
Session header
Client name, date, session number, therapist name, session duration, and session setting.
Target skill columns
One column (or section) per active skill target — including the goal text, current prompt level, and mastery criteria for reference.
Trial data rows
One row per trial: trial number, response type (C = correct, P = prompted, I = incorrect), and optionally the prompt level used (FP = full physical, PP = partial physical, M = model, G = gestural, V = verbal).
Session totals
Total trials run, total correct, total prompted, total incorrect, and accuracy percentage for each target. Calculated per session and compared to mastery criteria.
Mastery status
Current mastery status for each target: not started, emerging, approaching mastery (within 10% of criteria for 2+ sessions), or mastered.
BCBA notes
Space for the supervising BCBA to document program changes, phase notes, and clinical observations during data review.
Template vs. automation
Using a template manually
15–30 min post-session
Fill in each section from memory or notes. Format, proofread, export. Repeat for every session.
With Theralyn
0 min — captured live
Session data captured live. Report generated automatically when the session ends. Nothing to fill in.
Common questions
Should DTT data be recorded during the session or after?
During the session is strongly preferred. Data recorded from memory after a session has higher error rates and is considered lower-quality documentation. Most RBTs use a clipboard with a paper data sheet or a tablet app during sessions.
What does 'correct' mean on a DTT data sheet?
A correct response is an unprompted, accurate response to the SD (instruction) within the designated response window (typically 3–5 seconds). Any response requiring a prompt of any kind should be coded as 'prompted' at the appropriate prompt level, not 'correct.'
How do I calculate accuracy percentage from DTT data?
Accuracy percentage = (Total Correct ÷ Total Trials) × 100. Some settings calculate independent accuracy (excluding prompted responses from the numerator) to give a stricter measure of true independence.