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

Marij A. Hillen (), Evelien M. Hoeben, Rianne Kok, Calum McHale, Melissa M. Sexton, Sabine Asdonk, Daphne Bongardt, Brett Bowman, Richard Brown, Susan Branje, Jill Chorney, Monika H. Donker, Peter Ejbye-Ernst, Sanne Geeraerts, Danielle Giessen, Gerald Humphris, Helle Larsen, Richard Philpot, Mariona Portell, Siyang Yuan, Chiel Veen and Janneke Noordman
Additional contact information
Marij A. Hillen: Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC
Evelien M. Hoeben: Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement
Rianne Kok: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Calum McHale: University of St Andrews
Melissa M. Sexton: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Sabine Asdonk: Leiden University
Daphne Bongardt: Erasmus University Rotterdam
Brett Bowman: University of the Witwatersrand
Richard Brown: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Population Health
Susan Branje: Utrecht University
Jill Chorney: Dalhousie University
Monika H. Donker: Utrecht University
Peter Ejbye-Ernst: Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement
Sanne Geeraerts: Utrecht University
Danielle Giessen: University of Amsterdam
Gerald Humphris: University of St Andrews
Helle Larsen: University of Amsterdam
Richard Philpot: Lancaster University
Mariona Portell: Autonomous University of Barcelona
Siyang Yuan: University of Dundee
Chiel Veen: Windesheim University of Applied Sciences
Janneke Noordman: Nivel (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research)

Quality & Quantity: International Journal of Methodology, 2025, vol. 59, issue 1, No 23, 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.

Keywords: Observational research; Systematic coding; Interdisciplinary research; Methodological reporting; Delphi methodology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11135-024-01969-9

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