Guidelines for reporting research using systematic coding of observed human behaviour (SCOBe)

Quality & Quantity, vol. 59, pp. 587–603

Abstract

Abstract Systematic coding of observed human behaviour (SCOBe) is used across disciplines and topics but methodological reporting is often incomplete. We developed internationally generated, interdisciplinary guidelines for methodological reporting of such research. Using Delphi methodology, a working group of 22 experts sought group consensus in three rounds. Participants first assessed an initial set of reporting criteria (round 1). Next, in interactive meetings participants revised these criteria and reached consensus on reporting content (rounds 2 & 3). We present 20 criteria constituting the first comprehensive reporting guidelines for SCOBe research using existing, newly developed, or modified coding systems. The criteria encompass three procedural domains: 1. Research context; 2. Properties of the coding scheme; and 3. Application of the coding scheme. The presented guidelines will assist in substantiating and assessing the quality of SCOBe research. We encourage researchers to adopt these guidelines, to enhance quality of mono- and interdisciplinary research.

Authors 19

1. Marij A. Hillen corresponding

   Amsterdam Public Health · Amsterdam University Medical Centers

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

2. Evelien M. Hoeben

   Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement

   Affiliation as printed

   Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

3. Rianne Kok

   Erasmus University Rotterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

4. Calum Thomas McHale

   University of St Andrews

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK

5. Melissa M. Sexton

   Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   School of Business and Economics, KIN Center for Digital Innovation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

6. Sabine van der Asdonk Aachen Institute of Education and Child Studies

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands

7. Daphne van de Bongardt

   Erasmus University Rotterdam

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands

8. Brett Bowman

   University of the Witwatersrand

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Psychology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

9. Susan Branje

   Utrecht University

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands

10. Jill Mac Laren Chorney

    Dalhousie University

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada

11. Monika H. Donker

    Utrecht University

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands

12. Peter Ejbye‐Ernst

    Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement

    Affiliation as printed

    Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

13. Sanne B. Geeraerts

    Utrecht University

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands

14. Daniëlle Van der Giessen

    University of Amsterdam

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

15. Richard Philpot

    Lancaster University

    Affiliation as printed

    Psychology Department, Fylde College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YF, UK

16. Mariona Portell

    Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

    Affiliation as printed

    Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Spain

17. Siyang Yuan

    University of Dundee

    Affiliation as printed

    School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK

18. Chiel van der Veen

    Windesheim University of Applied Sciences

    Affiliation as printed

    Windesheim University of Applied Sciences, Almere, the Netherlands

19. Janneke Noordman

    Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research

    Affiliation as printed

    Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research), Utrecht, the Netherlands