Video recording: A data collection method TOOL 5100

Video-based research Emphasis on describing in detail the “wholeness” of what is going on in a particular activity or situation. Video-based Interaction Analysis (Jordan and Henderson,1995), consists of : –the in-depth micro-analysis of how people interact with one another, –their physical environment, –and the documents, artifacts, and technologies in that environment. Jordan (1992) used video data to explicate how authoritative knowledge is distributed in two highly technologized settings: –an airline operations room, where knowledge is continually jointly produced –and a hospital setting, where it is vested in the technology and the physician.

Capturing Complex, Distributed Activities: Video-Based Interaction Analysis as a Component of Workplace Ethnography Karen Ruhleder & Brigitte Jordan 1997

Advantages of Video-Based Interaction Analysis creates a permanent data corpus provides access to behavior invisible without replay technology captures complex data counteracts certain forms of recorder bias counteracts bias of the individual analyst avoids the say/do problem provides access to members' categories and world view exposes mechanisms and antecedents

Problems in Capturing and Analyzing Video-Based Data Individuals are concerned about confidentiality Companies are concerned about confidentiality Video-based Interaction Analysis is time consuming and expensive Video-based data is difficult to work with Incorporating screen-capture ups the ante on time, expertise and complexity Camera effects may arise

Advantages The ability to document nonverbal behavior and interpersonal communication (facial expressions and emotions). It preserves the activity as it’s unfolding, so that the data material can be validated by other researchers. –Viewing it several times –Comments from others Captures multiple views of a situation. Enables the researcher to participate in the activity

Limitations  Do the recordings manipulate the reality? Note: without an exceptionally wide-angled lens, no camera can record all activity in a classroom Capturing too much can also be a problem Confidentiality can be a problem Time consuming and expensive –Large amount of data –Expensive equipment Subjects may get influenced by the presence of a camera

Considerations prior to recording 1: Unit of analysis –Formulating a research problem  unit of analysis –The most elementary part of a phenomenon to be studied, and will influence Research design Data collection Analysis –Individuals vs. groups –Distributed?

Considerations prior to recording 2: Establish guidelines for confidentiality and obtain permission for videotaping from each participant. –Rules for videotaping children under the age of 18. –Rules for confidentiality concerning storage of data material. –Norwegian Social Science Data Services is helpful here ( Informs and gives advise on both ethical and legal issues Reviews research projects and gives recommendations with regard to the collection as well as the future storage and reuse of personal data.

Considerations prior to recording 3: Camera angle and settings –Tripod, handheld or a number of cameras? Audible and visual conditions –Wireless microphone –Sunlight Recordings of the activity on the computer screen –flickering can be a problem –Additional observation can work as a supplement

Further work for today: Short intro in use of camera and accessories at InterMedia Presentation of the case for today… Plan how to carry out the video recording Simulation (drama ) Take a look at the recordings Questions…?

Case A group of two and two work together at one computer We use Confluence The task: –Use sources at the internet to find out about advantages and limitations in use of video recordings of children under the age of 18. –Post this in a space in Confluence Two people uses the camera and facilitate the recordings

Check-list: Research problem – Unit of analysis Guidelines and confidentiality Camera angle and settings (tripod, handheld…) Audible and visual conditions Activity on the computer screen?