2.5 - Designing Observations
The concept of behavioural categories in observations
Behavioural categories are objective methods used in observations to break a continuous stream of activity into discrete recordable events. For example, if observing behaviour in a sixth form common room, behavioural categories could include talking, using a mobile phone, working on a computer, reading, or playing cards.
The use of coding frames for categorising behaviours
Coding frames are lists of behavioural categories, each assigned a specific code. For example, behavioural categories for observing behaviour in a sixth form common room could be talking – to a friend/in a group, reading – a novel/an academic text/a magazine, playing cards – playing snap/bridge/whist.
Time sampling as a method of data recording
Time sampling is a data recording method that involves recording pre-determined behaviours at regular intervals, for example every five seconds, or taking a sample at different times of the day or month.
Event sampling as a method of data recording
Event sampling is a data recording method that involves counting the number of behaviours in a specified time period, for example using a tally chart.