Abstract
Observational methods dedicated to the study of couple relationships blossomed in the 1970s, with methods designed for whole family systems emerging in the subsequent two decades. Observational research provides data that cannot be easily obtained from other sources. As outside observers of the marital or family system, properly trained coders add unique and independent information from that provided by the family members themselves. This chapter provides an overview of how observational coding systems contribute to the scientific study of human relationships and describes some of the methodological considerations in conducting an observationally-based study. It is clear that observational methods have yielded critical information regarding the highly complex interactions that make up family functioning. When conducting observational research, it is important to remember that these methods are susceptible to bias not only because of how people behave when observed, but also because observers bring their own biases to the coding enterprise. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)