ABSTRACT
As we begin to consider conducting an observational project, a plan is crucial. Consequently, a fair amount of preplanning and thought are necessary in order to avoid some common problems that often afflict observational methods and re search: An ounce of prevention .... In this chapter I discuss some "basics" to be considered when planning and designing an observational project. Although some of these are general and applicable to most observational work, such as ob server bias, some are very specific to conducting observations with young chil dren, such as specific concerns with studying the development of the child (see Martin & Bateson, 1993, for additional discussion).
