Time Sampling is an other method for collecting or logging behavioral information:
Instead of logging behavior as it appears, predefined intervals are observed. Per interval, the observer enters the appropriate Code(s), if a behavior occurs within that interval.
This method is basically a relic from times of forms-based, pen & paper observations and VHS video tapes. But, to log rather vague changes like the atmosphere in a room full off people or emotional changes of a test person, it is still a good method.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you read Event-Sampling vs. Time-Sampling before you continue with an interval-based approach, because it is often picked for the wrong reasons.
If your Time-Sampling-based coding method was developed for pen & paper based analysis, we advise you to re-think this method and switch to Event-based coding, because this usually enables you to gain a far more detailed insight.
And not only because event-based results provide correct frequencies and the actual duration of observed behavior!
If required, for comparison with older studies, it is also possible to export the Event-based data in whatever Interval you need.
INTERACT offers two approaches, for those who want to code their video in fixed intervals:
 | Use Fixed Intervals with Duration - This is the regular Time Sampling method in INTERACT. It is based on Events with identical length (fixed intervals). This method uses automatically created Events with fixed length. How to create those intervals is described in Create predefined intervals. |
| Use Markers at Fixed Intervals - If you need to log Codes at a fixed interval, but are not interested in having this exact duration logged with your Codes, you can create Marker-Events every so many seconds or frames, while jumping through your video at a predefined Step width. |
To automatically split a predefined period in identical fragments of a specified length, INTERACT offers a special command, described in Create predefined intervals. The empty Events created that way, allow you to judge the behavior or situation per interval.