Noldus Information Technology releases The Observer 3.0

Wageningen – Noldus Information Technology today announced the release of version 3.0 of The Observer, the popular data collection and analysis software package for observational research. The release adds significant new functionality and succeeds version 2.0 which was introduced in 1990. While The Observer has already become a standard tool for behavioral research on pharmacology, psychology, zoology and entomology, version 3.0 will find new applications in fields as divers as ergonomics, machine downtime recording, sports research, market research, software and hardware usability testing, labor and times studies, traffic analysis, analysis of group interactions, etc.
 
1. Event recording – The Observer now supports all commonly used sampling and recording methods, and coding systems an now have practically unlimited numbers of elements. During an event-recording session, key presses are used to log events, the duration of behavioral states, as well as the time at which these occur. Any data-entry errors can now be corrected on-line or after the session has been completed.
 
2. Coding behavior from videotape – A major addition to The Observer’s functionality is the optional Video Interfacing Module, which greatly facilitates coding behavior from videotape. Connected with a video timecode reader, the software allows event timing independent of the video payback speed. The video recorder can also be controlled from the PC keyboard. Standard as well as time-lapse video recorders are supported.
 
3. Analyzing observational data – Data analysis features have been expanded with reliability analysis, lag sequential analysis, and integrated analysis of behavior, physiology and environmental parameters. The range of descriptive statistics have been increased, while analysis of concurrence has been further refined. New in The Observer 3.0 are exploratory graphics, including time-event plots and graphs of continuous signals against observed events. A report generator has been added, and export options to all major spreadsheet, database and statistics packages are provided.
 
4. Documentation – With the increase in functionality, special attention has been paid to maintaining the program’s ease of use. Version 3.0 comes with extensive context-sensitive online help, which contains hyperlinks to related topics as well as a glossary of technical terms. As printed documentation one receives a comprehensive reference manual and a separate sample applications manual. The latter contains a growing collection of case studies based on real-life applications of the software, contributed by users. The sample applications have been arranged in the form of tutorial, introducing new and existing users to the various methods and techniques in a step-by-step manner.
 
Product line – The Observer 3.0 comprises the following products:

1. Base Package for DOS. This includes all software necessary for data collection and analysis on desktop or notebook computers, running DOS 3.1 or higher.

2. Support Packages for Handheld Computers. These supplementary packages allow data collection on a handheld computer. They come with event-recording software as well as file upload and download programs. A single support package supports multiple handheld units.

3. Observation Research Kits. These are integrated systems for desktop and mobile collection and analysis of observational data. Each includes the Base Package, a Support Package, a handheld computer, interface cable, mains adapter and communication software.

4. Video Interfacing Module. An add-on system for computer-aided analysis of videotapes. Includes a video timecode generator/reader. PC I/O board, remote control unit and software.

Versions for other platforms (Windows, Macintosh) are under development and will be released in 1994. All products are available directly from Noldus Information Technology or from international distributors.

Noldus Information Technology specializes in the development of computer products and services for behavioral and observational research. Besides The Observer, the company offers video tracking & motion analysis systems, sound analysis systems, as well as consulting and training in behavior research methods and techniques.