Collecting and Analyzing Continuous Behavioral Data with the TRS-80 Model 100/102 Portable Laptop Computer

Abstract

During observation sessions, discontinuous recording of behavioral events (time sampling and interval recording) introduces sampling error into the data. Continuous recording of data is methodologically superior, but makes greater demands on observers and often requires expensive and cumbersome equipment There is a need for equipment and software that are easy to use and transportable and that integrate data collection and analysis functions. The Behavioral Observation System—Computerized (BOSCO) was developed for the TRS-80 Model 100 and 102 portable laptop computers. BOSCO allows the computer to be used to (a) create and use an observation system, and (b) assess and calculate interobserver agreement. The computer's built-in, real-time clock allows accurate timing of each entry to within one second. This article describes the features and functions of BOSCO, illustrating its application through brief descriptions of several studies in which it has been employed.