Gathering data

Record videoThe Observer XT allows you to collect meaningful data. Code behaviors accurately, record one or multiple videos, integrate data modalities, and explore your results.

Code behaviors accurately 
The Observer XT is designed to reduce the amount of work and simplify behavioral coding. You can record behavior by typing shortcut key codes, allowing you to keep your eyes on the scene, while coding at great speed. The time of each code is recorded automatically and errors are prevented by an on-line check. Next to coding with The Observer XT, it is also possible to code on-the-go or work together on a research project. 

  • Code on-the-go using Pocket Observer. It combines the power of The Observer XT with the portability of a handheld computer.
  • Coder Licenses will allow you to work together efficiently on a research project. They limit the use of The Observer XT to coding and visualization only.

 

"Related events can be identified quickly if the data has been coded using a  programme like The Observer, where codes/event logs are time-stamped and linked to the relevant video files. Systematic observation software is a powerful tool for archiving and managing large data sets." Snell, J. (2011). Interrogating video data: systematic quantitative analysis versus micro‐ethnographic analysis, International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 14 (3), 253-258.

 

Work with video
The use of video adds great flexibility to behavioral studies. It allows you to make detailed observations and frame accurate descriptions of fast moving phenomena. Moreover, The Observer XT is equipped with fully integrated video recording and playback functions. You can easily position the video,play it back at different speeds, play it frame by frame, and play multiple videos at the same time. All data play in sync: when moving through the data, the video follows and vice versa. After the observation, you can easily create a video highlights clip by using the improved episode selection.

With The Observer XT, you can combine data from different sources in your observation. The Observer XT is compatible with our new Media Recorder. This software tool combines different video and audio signals from a wide range of different cameras and microphones. The video files can be stored separately, or combined into one video stream. Of course the audio can be recorded in sync with the video. It is a perfect addition to your The Observer XT solution.

 

"The Observer XT has helped me capture children's natural behaviors in an unobtrusive manner and this has added value to the behavioral interpretations I could draw. This tool is best suited for observational research where subjects can be observed without their awareness, which adds to the authenticity of findings. It is easy to use and gives data that can well be statistically analyzed” [Prof. Mayuri, India]


Integrate data modalities
In The Observer XT overt behavior and physiological responses can be studied together. Files from data acquisition systems can be imported and then visualized along with the video, revealing the person’s inner world. Detailed analysis has become available in the latest version. Synchronization is guaranteed by a continuous sync signal sent from The Observer XT, making the system immune to clock differences, drift, and missing samples. Sections of the physiological data correlating with interesting behaviors can be exported for further analysis.

 

Explore your results
If you want to find a specific comment quickly, you can use the advanced find functionality. You can search through all or part of your observations to find:

  • comments 
  • subjects
  • behaviors
  • modifiers

The software provides you with a list of all the events that meet your criteria. You can click on the result and be brought to the right observation, or export the list of results to a spreadsheet program of your choice.