observationsmål

Observationsmål, literally “observation goals” in Danish, are predefined aims that specify what is to be observed and how that observation will support a learning, assessment, or research purpose. They guide data collection, help maintain focus, and support transparent analysis. Observationsmål are used in educational settings, pedagogical assessment, user studies, and behavioral research.

Core elements include the phenomenon of interest, the context or setting, the participants, the time frame, and the method of observation. They also describe how observations will be recorded (for example, checklists, rating scales, or narrative notes), criteria for judging success, and considerations of reliability and validity, such as consistency between observers. Ethical considerations, including consent and privacy, are typically addressed in framing the observationsmål.

Applications: In schools, observers may aim to document student collaboration, use of problem-solving strategies, or engagement during tasks. In research or usability testing, observationsmål help capture naturalistic behavior, interaction patterns, or users’ responses to a product.

Methods: Observations can be naturalistic or structured, with data collected via field notes, audio/video recordings, or structured forms. Time-based or event-based sampling may be specified in the observationsmål to align with the study design.

Example: In a 15-minute group task, an observationsmål might be: “record how often each student contributes to discussion and whether participation is evenly distributed.”

Relation to design: Observationsmål align with research questions, hypotheses, and analysis plans, and they are typically refined during study planning to ensure clarity and measurability.