What is the value of time stamps in running records?

• A. They are unnecessary in most observations.
• B. They ensure compliance with formatting standards.
• C. They allow tracking behavior over time to identify patterns.
• D. They replace the need for narrative context.

Answer: (C)

Time stamps in running records provide a timeline of when behaviors occur, giving you a record of how often and under which circumstances a behavior happens. This is the key to seeing patterns—like whether a child acts out after transitions, during cleanup, or at certain times of day—and to tracking how those patterns change over days or weeks. With that information, you can judge whether interventions are helping, adjust supports as needed, and plan next steps. Time stamps don’t replace the narrative details of what happened; they add essential context by tying events to specific moments. They aren’t about formatting standards or making observations unnecessary; they’re a tool to help you analyze behavior over time.