How do I use
The Observer XT?
After installing the software and setting up your project, record the complete picture using video and other sensors. Then use the software to:
- code and tag behaviors on a timeline
- analyze the sequence of events and patterns
- use visualization tools to interpret and share your findings
What does the software offer me?
The base module of The Observer XT® allows for:
- study setup and coding scheme design
- synchronized playback of multiple video files
- live coding and offline editing
- general analysis, reliability & lag sequential analysis
- presentation of behavioral data
Depending on your research needs, you can extend this basic system with an additional module. Or you can add additional software such as FaceReaderTM for automated analysis of facial expressions.
Which hardware do I need?
Important factors for the system requirements include the use of video, the amount of data, the complexity of data selections and analyses, and the size of external data files. For optimal performance and functionality, an up-to-date computer system is strongly recommended.
The minimum requirements for workstations are:
- Windows 11 Pro (64-bit)
- Dell Precision T3660 or higher
- CPU Intel Core i5 8500
- 16 GB memory
- The Observer XT comes with a complete codec package that can process almost all video
We recommend to remove other software (video recording, editing, or burning) or codecs which could interfere with The Observer XT.
Technical specifications - pdf
Integrating multiple data modalities
Free white paper
- Gain better insights by combining different data modalities
- Import, synchronize, and analyze data from many different sources
- For example facial expression, physiology, and eye tracking data
How do I collect my data?
Work with video and audio
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. Use the playback functions to easily position the video, play it back at different speeds, play it frame by frame, and play multiple videos at the same time. You can set a loop in the video and audio files to code this episode in great detail, or use the quick review button to take a small step back in the video.
Integrate more data streams
In The Observer XT overt behavior and physiological responses can be studied together. Synchronization of these multiple data streams is key to understanding human behavior. Synchronization is guaranteed. For example with Tobii eye trackers, a Bitbrain EEG wearable, FaceReader, and BIOPAC physiological measurement systems. Sections of the physiological data correlating with interesting behaviors can be exported for further analysis.
Code behaviors accurately
Designing a coding scheme is a crucial step, since it is the actual measuring instrument. The Observer XT guides you through the process of building one. For example, if you want to add behaviors, the software instantly shows you what kind of results you can expect. While coding, you can use shortcut key codes to keep up the speed. The time of each code is recorded automatically and errors are prevented by an online check.
Code on the go
Imagine children on a playground, customers in a busy
supermarket, or visitors in a museum. They are constantly on the move and you need to
observe them unobtrusively. In these situations, Pocket Observer is the ideal solution to
code behavior.
With Pocket Observer, you can record observational data in great detail. And, Pocket Observer makes data coding easy with its user-friendly interface.
Work together on a project
A Coder License is the ideal solution for when you need to work with several people on one research project. Several observers can work on a project at the same time using The Observer XT Coder License, which allows for coding and visualization only. After all behaviors are coded, you can collect the observations in your main project with a full license of The Observer XT and perform data selection, visualization, and analysis.
“The integration of FaceReader, The Observer XT, and psychophysiological data collection makes research programs possible at locations and within timetables that increase opportunity, quality, and efficiency.”
Dr. Cole Barton
DAVIDSON COLLEGE, USA
How do I analyze my data?
Select the right data
You can build elaborate filters based on combinations of independent variables, behaviors, physiological data, and time criteria. Examples of independent variables are treatment, subject ID, observer, and any other important circumstances. All data in the project is available for analysis.
Visualize your data
The analysis of data often begins with visualizing the event log, one or more videos, audio, and physiological data streams. All data streams are displayed alongside and play in perfect sync. By visualizing the data streams, you can easily see and present what you have collected.
Explore your data
The Observer XT offers descriptive statistics of the coded behavior. You can calculate frequency and duration of behaviors, statistics for numerical modifiers or numerical external data. And you can perform a lag sequential analysis and a reliability analysis.
License structure
It is possible to work with the software using a digital license key instead of a hardware key (USB dongle). Upon activating you can choose between:
- Fixed license - Use the software on a single designated computer. The license is connected to your computer and can be used without an internet connection.
- Floating license - Install the software on any computer and use it where and when you want. For example, on the computer in your lab at work and the next day on your laptop at home. For the use of the software, the computers need to be connected to the internet.
Why should I use The Observer XT?
Discover the benefits of using the GOLD STANDARD for coding and analyzing behavior. It is cited as thé research tool in over 15,000 publications! Besides annotation of behavior from video, all types of data can be imported in The Observer XT.
What can I use The Observer XT for?
A very important part of studying human behavior is performing observations. Coding these behaviors makes analyzing them much easier. In settings such as a classroom, the playground, the home, the clinic, or the workplace, behaviors can be recorded and coded.
How to expand The Observer XT setup?
You can extend the base version of The Observer XT with two modules: Media Module and External Data Module. In addition you can extend the system with tools such as uASQ to set up questionnaires, uLog to record key- and mouse activity, or E-prime to present stimuli.
Learn more about The Observer XT
We have a wide variety of materials for you to watch and read: customer success stories, product videos, and white papers. You can use these resources to find out why customers have chosen The Observer XT for their lab and which research they conduct with it.
Ready to take the next step?
We’re passionate about helping you achieve your research goals. Let’s discuss your project and find the tools that fit.
Contact us