Advantages of OCS

OCS Makes it Easy to Code

Coding with OCS has many advantages over manual coding. Codes are entered directly into the computer and automatically timestamped. You can enter codes of up to ten characters. Letters, numbers, and spaces may be part of any code. OCS is case-sensitive.

You can create new codes before or during a coding session. If an event is not immediately clear, you may enter a time and then enter the code when ready. You can edit codes or add descriptive comments to a code at any time during or after the coding session. With the VCR sync configuration of OCS, you can rewind the videotape and recode portions to increase accuracy. This configuration also allows you to code videotape at the optimal tape speed: normal play speed, slow, freeze-frame, or faster than "play" speed, and you can change video speeds during a coding session without affecting results.

OCS Eliminates Common Coding Errors

Accuracy is a vital factor in any research project, and OCS helps you avoid the most common errors. Digital video windowing virtually eliminates look-away errors. Automatic timestamping ensures accurate time recording and eliminates transcription errors. For greater accuracy, datasets can be converted into OCS Reports and checked for common coding errors.

OCS Saves Time and Money

Several options give OCS the ability to speed up the coding process. OCS allows data to be entered and checked quickly. Summary Statistics and Interrater Reliability are immediately available with the Summary Statistics and Agreement Analyses. Data is saved directly to disk, eliminating transcription. A Dual Keyboard System allows two coders to code one videotape (or live event) simultaneously, dividing the coding task and reducing coding time by half. For Software Usability applications, a Keyboard Capture System will automatically collect keyboard operations from a test workstation, while allowing an expert observer to enter observational data into the primary CPU system.

OCS Makes Data Management Easy

OCS includes several features designed to facilitate data management. For example, two or more datasets can be merged. Statistical analysis can be restricted to a subset of available codes by using a variable file. Wild card characters (*,?) may be used to specify groups of codes for analysis. For fine control of content, datasets may be edited at any time during or after the coding session.