Scientific Video-Based Behavioral Research Made Easy

Observation appears to be a simpleskill. It is assumed to be something everyone does every day since early childhood, and thus, it seems to be an easy and well-trained skill. But observation of behavior with intended scientific outcome is far from easy. It requires a well-thought-out method based on scientific knowledge and hypothesis. As live observation has several limitations, capturing video is essential. But video-based behavioral research requires a professional approach and appropriate technical systems to make the process of data acquisition and observation efficient. This not only increases the efficiency of the observation process but also its effectiveness, because more and better results can be expected.It further requires appropriate software tools to create reliable data and interesting findings with significant validity in reasonable time. We need to think about how more data and results can be generated from existing data, in order to discover the things that cannot be discovered by pure observation. Because that is exactly the added value of observational studies.Now it is clear that even at very early stages, any time-saving by using professional tools will benefit the further evaluation process. Because time is the critical factor in order to present expected reliable andvalid results and to discover further things that have not yet been explored.The major difference between everyday observation and scientific observation, and the enormous chances specific software tools can create in this field, will be shown in this presentation. It provides an insight into how easy data collection and the complex analysis of data interrelations can be.