Behavior Mapping & Text Analysis:
Methods in Case Studies
A. Behavior Mapping
Behavior mapping is a research method. It is the systematic
observation of people using their environments. Behavior mapping
enables the real-time recording of patterns of people's behavior. The
technique can reveal what and how people interact with the
environment, and how they relate to each other.
Behavior mapping has been used intermittently since the 1960s
and remains a relevant method for evaluating people/place
relationships in both private and public contexts.
As a method, behavior mapping is potentially useful in research
and case studies. Behavior mapping, combined with other measures,
determines if a behavior is persistent, inflexible, and pervasive. A
structured, systematic observation method over an extended period is
the main tool to gather behavior data to map.
Data from this method enables:
1. Researchers aim to understand people/individual's behavior in
different contexts of interaction, in a specific environment, and
with different individuals.
2. Describe the observed behavior of the subject in different
situations or contexts.
3. Map behaviors that draw a pattern, and evidence of:
a) Persistence (stability over time). Observe behavior that occurs
over time.
b) Inflexible (resistant to change). Patterns of behavior (thinking or
even feeling) that are one-sided, narrow, and righteous. It
includes mechanisms for adaptation (possibly maladaptive).
c) Pervasive (occurs or manifests in different settings, or a variety
of contexts).
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Methods in Case Studies
A. Behavior Mapping
Behavior mapping is a research method. It is the systematic
observation of people using their environments. Behavior mapping
enables the real-time recording of patterns of people's behavior. The
technique can reveal what and how people interact with the
environment, and how they relate to each other.
Behavior mapping has been used intermittently since the 1960s
and remains a relevant method for evaluating people/place
relationships in both private and public contexts.
As a method, behavior mapping is potentially useful in research
and case studies. Behavior mapping, combined with other measures,
determines if a behavior is persistent, inflexible, and pervasive. A
structured, systematic observation method over an extended period is
the main tool to gather behavior data to map.
Data from this method enables:
1. Researchers aim to understand people/individual's behavior in
different contexts of interaction, in a specific environment, and
with different individuals.
2. Describe the observed behavior of the subject in different
situations or contexts.
3. Map behaviors that draw a pattern, and evidence of:
a) Persistence (stability over time). Observe behavior that occurs
over time.
b) Inflexible (resistant to change). Patterns of behavior (thinking or
even feeling) that are one-sided, narrow, and righteous. It
includes mechanisms for adaptation (possibly maladaptive).
c) Pervasive (occurs or manifests in different settings, or a variety
of contexts).
Page | 1
