Developing and modifying behavioral coding schemes in pediatric psychology: a practical guide

Jill MacLaren Chorney; C Meghan McMurtry; Christine T Chambers; Roger Bakeman

doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsu099

Developing and modifying behavioral coding schemes in pediatric psychology: a practical guide

J Pediatr Psychol. 2015 Jan-Feb;40(1):154-64. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsu099. Epub 2014 Nov 21.

Authors

Jill MacLaren Chorney¹, C Meghan McMurtry², Christine T Chambers³, Roger Bakeman²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre, Departments of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Surgery, Dalhousie University, Department of Psychology, Guelph University, Children's Health Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, and Department of Psychology, Georgia State University Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre, Departments of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Surgery, Dalhousie University, Department of Psychology, Guelph University, Children's Health Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, and Department of Psychology, Georgia State University Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre, Departments of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Surgery, Dalhousie University, Department of Psychology, Guelph University, Children's Health Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, and Department of Psychology, Georgia State University Jill.chorney@iwk.nshealth.ca.
² Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre, Departments of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Surgery, Dalhousie University, Department of Psychology, Guelph University, Children's Health Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, and Department of Psychology, Georgia State University.
³ Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre, Departments of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Surgery, Dalhousie University, Department of Psychology, Guelph University, Children's Health Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, and Department of Psychology, Georgia State University Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, Centre for Pediatric Pain Research, IWK Health Centre, Departments of Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine, Psychology and Neuroscience, and Surgery, Dalhousie University, Department of Psychology, Guelph University, Children's Health Research Institute, Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, and Department of Psychology, Georgia State University.

Abstract

Objectives: To provide a concise and practical guide to the development, modification, and use of behavioral coding schemes for observational data in pediatric psychology.

Methods: This article provides a review of relevant literature and experience in developing and refining behavioral coding schemes.

Results: A step-by-step guide to developing and/or modifying behavioral coding schemes is provided. Major steps include refining a research question, developing or refining the coding manual, piloting and refining the coding manual, and implementing the coding scheme. Major tasks within each step are discussed, and pediatric psychology examples are provided throughout.

Conclusions: Behavioral coding can be a complex and time-intensive process, but the approach is invaluable in allowing researchers to address clinically relevant research questions in ways that would not otherwise be possible.

Keywords: behavioral coding; observational data; research methods.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Behavior Observation Techniques
Child
Child Behavior Disorders / classification*
Child Behavior Disorders / diagnosis*
Clinical Coding / classification
Clinical Coding / methods*
Health Plan Implementation
Humans
Manuals as Topic
Psychology, Child
Reproducibility of Results

Grants and funding

Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Canada