Like any other research tool, observational methods can be misused. Authors Yoder and Symons have put together a comprehensive textbook and resource that introduces graduate students to the competent conduct of observational research methods and measurement. 

Their approach can be used for both single-subject and group-design perspectives of observational methods, instructing students how and when to use both methodologies.    In addition, the authors include many practical exercises within chapters as well as electronic media files of an observation session to code with multiple behavior sampling methods. To obtain electronic files, please email marketing@springerpub.com.

Key topics discussed:

        Improving measurement of generalized characteristics through direct observation and Generalizability theory

        Designing or adapting coding manuals

        Common metrics of observational variables

        Analyzing research questions involving sequential associations

        Observer training, observer drift checks, and discrepancy discussions