Behaviour Modelling - Part 3
MODELLING BEHAVIOUR
Method
To model a behaviour we need as much information as we can gather. There are a variety of methods we can employ to gather this information. Interviews and questionnaires are limited as they often omit key data and/or make assumptions. Simulating behaviour is a step improvement. Without doubt, live observation of the behaviour itself and interaction with the subject is by far the best and most accurate method. Try to observe the behaviour as many times as you can in a variety of situations.
Record what you have seen and learnt in a method you most prefer; writing notes, dicta-phone, video etc. Do this as you make the observations or as soon as you can afterwards. Note that the more time that elapses before you record what you saw the more detail and clarity will be lost.
Method
To model a behaviour we need as much information as we can gather. There are a variety of methods we can employ to gather this information. Interviews and questionnaires are limited as they often omit key data and/or make assumptions. Simulating behaviour is a step improvement. Without doubt, live observation of the behaviour itself and interaction with the subject is by far the best and most accurate method. Try to observe the behaviour as many times as you can in a variety of situations.
Record what you have seen and learnt in a method you most prefer; writing notes, dicta-phone, video etc. Do this as you make the observations or as soon as you can afterwards. Note that the more time that elapses before you record what you saw the more detail and clarity will be lost.
Perspectives of Observation
When making your observations there are three perspectives or positions you can assume. Accurate modelling requires you assume at least two of these position but preferably all three for the best results.
Observer’s perspectives / positions:
1. Your own point of view
2. Another person’s point of view
3. Unconnected outside observer’s point of view
You can also make the observation as a whole system, the ‘rational field’. Or to synthesise the perspective of all the other three positions.
Quite often an expert will be behaving unconsciously, they often do not even realise they are doing certain things or why they do them. It can be very challenging modelling this type of unconscious behaviour, as they cannot tell you much about it at all.
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