Recording Behaviour Using a Portable Microcomputer
In: BehaviourSearch for other papers by D.M. Unwin in
Current site
Google Scholar
Search for other papers by Paul Martin in
Current site
Google Scholar
Abstract
This paper describes a microcomputer-based event recorder for recording behavioural observations. The system uses a widely available portable microcomputer (an Epson PX-8) and can be used for recording behaviour in a wide variety of situations. It combines the advantages of a keyboard event recorder with the ease of use and flexibility of paper-and-pencil methods (check sheets), and overcomes many of the problems inherent in specialised event recorders. With the event recorder program, the microcomputer can be used to record the frequencies, durations and latencies of many different categories of behaviour. With the check sheet emulator program, it can be used to obtain a time-sampled record of complex social behaviour, in the same way as with a check sheet. Listings of both programs, which are written in BASIC, are given. No computer programming expertise is required and no specialised hardware need be built in order to use this powerful, flexible and relatively inexpensive system.
Purchase
Buy instant access (PDF download and unlimited online access):
Institutional Login
Log in with Open Athens, Shibboleth, or your institutional credentials
Personal login
Log in with your brill.com account
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 314 | 29 | 2 |
| Full Text Views | 117 | 0 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 16 | 0 | 0 |
Recording Behaviour Using a Portable Microcomputer
In: BehaviourSearch for other papers by D.M. Unwin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Paul Martin in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed
Abstract
This paper describes a microcomputer-based event recorder for recording behavioural observations. The system uses a widely available portable microcomputer (an Epson PX-8) and can be used for recording behaviour in a wide variety of situations. It combines the advantages of a keyboard event recorder with the ease of use and flexibility of paper-and-pencil methods (check sheets), and overcomes many of the problems inherent in specialised event recorders. With the event recorder program, the microcomputer can be used to record the frequencies, durations and latencies of many different categories of behaviour. With the check sheet emulator program, it can be used to obtain a time-sampled record of complex social behaviour, in the same way as with a check sheet. Listings of both programs, which are written in BASIC, are given. No computer programming expertise is required and no specialised hardware need be built in order to use this powerful, flexible and relatively inexpensive system.
| All Time | Past 365 days | Past 30 Days | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abstract Views | 314 | 29 | 2 |
| Full Text Views | 117 | 0 | 0 |
| PDF Views & Downloads | 16 | 0 | 0 |
