ABSTRACT
A simple-rate variable is one that is generated by counting or by timing the occurrence of an action during an interaction and dividing that number by some broader count or timing, representing the maximum frequency or total time that the action could have occurred. Three types of simple-rate variables: rate, extent, and mean length. A Simple-rate variables cannot support hypotheses concerning interaction processes. This chapter refers to Pseudounilaterality (PU), defined as the false assumption that the variable is necessarily unilaterally determined by the actions of the participant. The PU error has been illustrated using simple-rate variables. A typical use of simple-rate variables would be to study the extent of use of some nonverbal action for different groups of subjects. Interaction variables containing sequential information were termed as Action-sequence variables. Action-sequence variables were designed to provide information on the location in the stream of interaction of each occurrence or nonoccurrence of the target action.
