Process Overview
The Observational Research Lab offers researchers the technology, space, and support to conduct observational studies in all stages of the process: (1) design for data collection, (2) data collection, (3) data coding, and (4) analysis. Researchers can choose to use any or all of these resources in their study.
Research Stages & Related Lab Resources
| 1-Design | 2-Collection | 3-Coding | 4-Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the Coding LabStaff Assistance in planning for data capture, coding, and/or analysisPlanning resources related to IRB & grant writing | In the Observation Room, or using the Mobile Capture Kit, or using video captured via another meansNoldus Software (as needed for recording)Data & Materials StorageStaff Assistance in setup and training for project personnel | In the Coding LabNoldus Software (coding)Data & Materials StorageStaff Assistance in setup and training for project personnel | In the Coding LabNoldus Software (analysis)Staff Assistance in training and for consultation with researchers |
Resource Details
- IRB and the Lab
- MSU IRB personnel have visited the Lab to ensure that our practices fit within the university’s guidelines
- We can provide researchers with information regarding how the lab’s resources are protected to maintain privacy for participants
- Proposals/Grants
- A provost grant covers the use of the lab through Summer 2017
- Funding will be required for projects that begin or extend beyond Summer 2017
- We can share examples of writing used in previous grants to support the use of lab
- Preliminary funding schedules can be consulted for longer-term grants that go beyond the summer of 2017
- Observation Room
- Private room for collection of observational data
- Lends itself to interviews, personal interaction, and group work
- Located on the 4th floor of Erickson Hall
- Up to four cameras for synchronized video capture
- On-site design and technical support
- Coding Lab
- Five coding stations
- Separate from Observation Room for simultaneous data collection
- Stations are semi-mobile to allow for privacy of data with multiple coders in room
- Table and display for research team consultations
- Mobile Capture Kit
- Capture video and audio in the field
- Capable of supporting both recorded and live-coding research paradigms
- Videos transfer to lab server and coding stations
- Synchronize up to 4 streams of video
- Portable, rolling case
- Includes 1 laptop, 4 cameras
- Only requires a single wall outlet
- Up to 4 tripods also available for checkout
- Data & Materials Storage
- A total of 39TB of secure data storage, distributed among all projects saved on the Lab server, with redundant, daily backup
- Note: One hour of video, saved with common settings, equals roughly 11 GB of data. (*calculated using this video size estimation tool)
- With these settings, our lab has the capacity to store over 3500 hours of video
- Six locking cabinets assigned to projects as needed
- A total of 39TB of secure data storage, distributed among all projects saved on the Lab server, with redundant, daily backup
- Noldus Software
- Detailed recording, coding, and analysis of data
- Noldus Media Recorder (data recording)
- Noldus Observer XT (coding & analysis)
- Import multiple audio and video formats
- Export data to common statistical software formats
- Staff Assistance
- Audio / Video capture and management
- Technical support and training for Noldus software
- Technologically informed research design consultation