Below are some topics that a researcher using video as data can identify as preliminary analysis or preparation for analysis. Many of the topics below include different perspectives that are drawn on when looking at video, as video research can be seen from multiple lenses.

Indexing
Time indexing field notes requires a researcher to be able to provide an outline of the sequence of events that occurred in the video. This is helpful for a researcher to be able to accurately describe when and where certain phenomena may appear for future references. Indexing creates a thorough and accurate representation of the video to describe the major components of the video. Using indexes or time logs helps to also be able to understand the data that is collected and start pattern finding.

• Suppose we have a video recording of a Physical Education instructor teaching a class how to play dodge ball. Below is a possible index.
• [00:01:25] Instructor approaches groups of students with a large green gym bag and takes out a clip board and asks students to sit on their numbers on the black top.
• [00:01:45] Instructor states that they will be learning how to play dodge ball. Instructor takes out the ball.
• [00:01:50] Instructor throws the ball and tells the students that dodge ball is her favorite game and she can’t wait for everyone to learn to play.
• [00:02:15] Instructor puts down the ball and picks up the gym bag and takes out cones.
• [00:02:30] Instructor tosses the ball to the child with black hair, wearing a green shirt and jeans. Instructor says to break up into two different groups.

Macro Level Coding
Macro level coding takes the broad themes and topics represented in the video and associates that with the video. Macro level coding includes events that contribute to a larger theme of the video. An event is based on: 1) having a beginning and end; 2) conversations that continue for a long time; 3) presence of multiple sources of knowledge; and 4) inclusion of inquiry strategies.

• Suppose we are in a space where children are working with a teacher on numbers on a white board. He proposes an addition problem on the board and asks the students to work on the problem individually, then sharing in pairs, and finally presenting to the large group.
• Example macro level coding could be: group work, mathematics, student interactions, presentation.

Narrative Accounts
Narrative accounts (contrary to event logs) are extremely detailed field notes and documents that describe an event from the video. It is helpful for others who may not have been at the recording site to be able to visualize in detail how the event took place.

• Suppose that we have a video of an art class working on their paintings.
• Example Narrative Summary: A small boy wearing an apron approaches the art cabinet. The cabinet is made of wood and is about 3 feet tall which is approximately as tall as the child. The child then reaches over and grabs a bottle of green paint. The child looks at the bottle and grabs a red bottle and holds the red bottle and green bottle side by side. He holds both of the bottles to his eyes, rolls them around in his hands. He then nods his head and smiles and walks away, taking the two bottles of paint back to his desk.
  

Diagrams
Diagrams can be used to generalize the video. They can even be used as a coding scheme to be able to document the types of events that occur in the video of interest. To learn more about coding schemes, see the coding scheme page .

References

Barron, B., & Engle, R. A. (2007). Analyzing data derived from video records. In S. J. Derry (Ed.),  Guidelines for video research in education: Recommendations from an expert panel (pp. 24-33). Chicago, IL: Data Research and Development Center.