Describing behavior in small groups with the Datamyte event recorder

A technology for coding and analyzing behavior in human groups is described. The behavior code is based on the scoring of verbal and physical contacts, emotional affect, and commands and complies. The code is reasonably valid and produces sufficiently high levels of observer agreement. Currently available computer programs for analyzing frequencies, rates, and proportions of behavior, as well as equity and reciprocity in behavioral transactions, are discussed. The development of programs for analyzing more microscopic features of interaction is also noted.