In simple words, behavioural data captures how people interact with each other. This data makes it easier for professionals to comprehend the different behavioural patterns. More importantly, this data provides more accurate and authentic results for the dissertation researchers. It helps them measure the progress of subjects after analysis.
Methods of Collection
The collection of the data is a very crucial component in behavioural analysis. Researchers need data to complete their analysis on subjects. However, the data collection techniques will depend on the goals of your study. Thus, I will discuss some general methods to collect this data. The description of such methods is as follows;Frequency & Rate Recording:
The first method of analysing behaviour is by frequency and rate recording method. This method involves counting and recording the number of times a behaviour happens. Basically, it is a time-dependent technique. The researcher observes the behaviour of the respondent concerning time. For example, how many times does a child sharpen his pencil during a normal school day? The researcher will record the frequency of sharpening the pencil in the class.After recording the data of many students, he will analyse it. After analysis, the researcher will draw his conclusion. It’s very important to remember that this method is time-dependent. The researcher analyses the behaviour of certain subjects who have a distinct beginning and end. The researcher will set up a time frame to measure and analyse data in this method.
Duration Recording:
This method of analysing behaviour tells how long a specific behaviour lasts. You can say that the above techniques provide research on the frequency of behaviour. In comparison, this method gives insights into the duration of that particular behaviour. The duration of the analysing behaviour may vary with your goals. Duration recording allows you to track how long behaviour lasts in this scenario. There is no restriction in using the methods. You can use more than one method of analysing behaviour at the same time. The duration of the event doesn’t matter at all. It can be too fast, e.g. teeth chattering, or too variable, e.g. tantrums. The major goal is the recording of duration.Latency Recording:
An individual can have both positive as well as negative behaviours. The researcher can use cue words to encourage positive behaviours. This particular method measures the time that positive behaviour takes to appear. The researchers use this method to analyse the obedience level of certain subjects. For example, students in a class were making noise. In the meantime, the teacher comes to the class and orders the class to “be quiet.” In this scenario, the researcher will record students’ time to be quiet. Therefore, latency recording is an important method that researchers can use in analysing behaviour.Interval Recording:
The above methods need constant attention in analysing behaviour. So, what will you do in situations where you can’t pay attention constantly? In such cases, interval recording will prove to be a beneficial asset. The researcher can split up the whole duration of observation into smaller packets of time. He then analyses whether the behaviour occurred during the time frame or not. There can be variations in the interval. The interval can be partial or whole, depending on the nature of the subject.Time Sampling:
The researchers use this method while analysing the behaviour of large groups. The time sampling is more or less the same as interval recording. This involves the breakdown of large chunks of time into smaller ones. The researcher then analyses the presence of behaviour within or at the end of time. Time sampling allows you to analyse each subject in its time frame.Conclusion:
In conclusion, I would say, the methods that a researcher will use depend on his goals. With this many methods and techniques, he has plenty of options. A researcher should choose the method which best suits his research goals.