structured observation
a systematic method of collecting behavioral data within a controlled environment, often used in research with infants and young children, in which observers measure overt actions and interpersonal processes. In structured observation, researchers (a) select which behaviors are of interest and which are not, (b) clearly define the characteristics of each behavior so that observers all agree on the classification, and (c) note the occurrence and frequency of these targeted behaviors in the situation under analysis. Interaction process analysis and SYMLOG are examples. Structured observation differs from naturalistic observation, which involves observing individuals in their own environments outside of the laboratory.