Knowledge Base

Problem

A team has coded the same videos using different coding schemes in separate Observer XT projects and wants to combine the data into a single observation or project for joint analysis.

Details

Affects Observer XT 17. Observer XT checks coding scheme elements when importing data — behaviors and modifiers in the imported file must match or be compatible with the destination observation's coding scheme. Templates carry over only the setup/coding scheme structure, not coded event data.

Solution

1. Decide on a **destination observation** (or create one) that contains a coding scheme encompassing all behaviors from both projects.
2. Open the destination observation in Observer XT.
3. Click the **Import Data** button on the toolbar, then select **Import Observational Data**.
4. Browse to the .odx file exported from the second project and select it.
5. Observer XT will check that the coding scheme elements match. If there are mismatches (behaviors or modifiers not present in the destination scheme), add the missing elements to the destination coding scheme before importing.
6. Repeat for additional observations as needed.
7. Note: **Templates** transfer only the coding scheme structure (setup) to new projects — not previously coded event data. If you need all observations in one place, add them to a master project rather than relying on templates.