• In this version, we introduce the concept of workspaces. In a workspace, you can group projects, for example per user or per type of research. The Workspace Explorer gives a clear overview of projects, and how they are set up.
• Subjects, behaviors and modifiers are entered in grid views. This allows easy editing and copying and pasting of configuration elements.
• You can use the automatic key code generator to create the initial set-up. This ensures that the codes are unique.
• The Observer 4.1 can handle the most elaborate coding schemes.
• A smart configuration checker gives information about errors in the configuration, and how to correct them. 

• The length of the element names has been doubled to 16 characters. This allows you to define elements that are clear and concise to all researchers working on the same project.
• When scoring live with The Observer Basic, you can now use all the search functions that were previously only available in The Observer Video-Pro version. Whether you are scoring live or from video, you can search for subjects, behaviors, text strings or time codes.
• For collecting data in the field, especially in rough conditions, you can use a handheld computer like the Psion Workabout. The Observer Mobile gives you a flexible solution for all observation conditions and situations. Please note that in this case length of element names is still four characters.
• In The Observer we have integrated the configuration, event recorder, and the analysis functions into one software package. As a result, you can perform all functions without jumping between different packages.

• Before starting the analysis, you can select the data you want to analyze. Data selection is now unified, meaning it can apply to all analysis functions. The advantage of this is that you only have to select data once.
• After you have selected data for analysis, four different analysis functions are available: the Time-Event View, Elementary Statistics, Reliability Analysis and Lag Sequential Analysis. All the analysis functions are now integrated into one application. So no more waiting for the analysis module to start up and no confusion about where you are in the program.
• Each output is stored in an analysis report and is presented in a spreadsheet window. Data can be divided over multiple tabbed sheets, which are fully customizable. Variables like observations, subjects, behaviors, modifiers and intervals can be presented row-wise, column-wise, or even on different sheets. Once you have created a report, you can export it or simply copy and paste to another program for inclusion in presentations or for further analysis.
• You can define the sort order of results, for example by start time, duration, observation, etc.

• The data selection is presented in clear, spreadsheet like views that include all elements forming the data selection. This gives a better overview of the selection.
• Within the data selection you can select and sort by independent variables, observations, subjects, behaviors, modifiers and intervals. It is also possible to group independent variables, observations, subjects, behaviors and modifiers. This way you can easily run an analysis in which for instance a selection of behaviors is grouped.
• Use independent variable values to group observations.
• You can define as many intervals as you require based on events and/or time criteria (specific start and end times).
• You can rename and truncate subject, behavior and modifier names.
• The data selection checker verifies that the data selection is consistent.

• The Time-Event View combines the Time-Event Table and the Time-Event Plot. It gives a chronological listing of all events in a table, or a graphical representation of observational data. Both within the table and the plot, you can sort the columns or traces by observation, subject and behavioral class. This makes it easy to compare variables and detect behavioral patterns.
• The Time-Event Table gives the durations of each state, for direct use in log survivor analysis.
• The Time-Event Plot has a 'floating legend': if you hover over a color in the plot, a ToolTip shows the name of the behavior it represents.
• You can change the colors and patterns in the Time-Event Plot by clicking on the color in the legend.
• You can export the plot as a bitmap file.

• New parameters:
  • Cohen's Kappa
  • Pearson's R
  • Percentage of agreement
  • Index of concordance
• Improved algorithm for linking datasets based on onset times, overlap and sequence.
• Calculations can be based on frequency, duration, frequency/sequence and duration/sequence.
• Reliability analysis can also be performed on groups of observations.

 In case of linking data files, the analysis report can be presented as a confusion matrix.

• You can use higher lag orders, and even negative lags: from -9 to +9.
• Transition matrices can be generated per subject, behavioral class or combination of subject and behavioral class. As a result, it is now much easier to look at the transitions of behaviors within a class.
• Calculate transition frequency and transition probability.

The Observer 4.1 is now available in three different set-ups:

• The Observer Basic, ideal for live observations.
• The Observer Video-Pro for observations from videotape or media files.
• The Observer Mobile for live observations in the field with a handheld computer.

The Observer 4.1 can be used with Windows 95, 98SE, 2000, NT and XP.