Tools for Researchers

Downloadable templates and forms. Free to use with attribution.

WHY WE SHARE TOOLS

We want Micro Research to spread. Sharing tools removes friction for institutions wanting to replicate or adopt our methodology.

All tools are CC-BY-4.0: free to use, adapt, and build upon with attribution.

OBSERVATION TOOLS

BEOP Observation Form

Standard observation recording form

The template used by our Embedded Research Fellows for recording observations per BEOP protocol.

  • Format: PDF (printable), Excel (digital)
  • Includes: Observer ID, Subject ID, Date/Time, Environment, Behavior fields

Inter-rater Reliability Assessment

Tool for testing observer agreement

Template for conducting reliability assessments between observers. BEOP requires ≥80% agreement.

ETHICS TOOLS

Consent Template

Model consent form for longitudinal observation research

Template based on our Longitudinal Consent Architecture. Adapt for your context and jurisdiction.

  • Covers: Purpose, procedures, data use, rights, withdrawal

Child Assent Template

Age-appropriate assent form

Template for obtaining assent from children capable of understanding (typically 7+).

RESEARCH DESIGN TOOLS

Four Gates Checklist

Pre-study quality check

Simple checklist for verifying a study passes all four gates before data collection.

Micro-Study Protocol Template

Standard format for study protocols

Template for documenting: research question, method, observers, timeline, data handling.

PUBLICATION TOOLS

Micro-Study Report Template

Standard format for publications

Template matching our publication format: question, method, findings, limitations.

Citation Templates

Formats for citing Blue Blocks publications

APA, BibTeX, and other formats for our core documents.

USAGE

7.1 License
All tools are CC-BY-4.0: free to use, adapt, share with attribution.

7.2 Attribution
When using or adapting, please cite:
Adapted from Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute. [Tool Name]. research.blueblocks.in

7.3 Questions
research@blueblocks.in (subject: Tools Question)

HOW OBSERVATION DATA IS RECORDED

The Blue Blocks Micro Research Institute employs a structured observation protocol called BEOP (Behavioural-Event Observation Protocol), specifically designed for embedded longitudinal research within active classroom environments. Embedded Research Fellows — trained teachers who serve simultaneously as observers — record behavioural events in real time using a standardised form that captures Observer ID, Subject ID (anonymised), timestamp, environmental context, and a narrative behavioural description.

All observation recording follows strict behavioural-only rules: observers document what a child does and says, not what the observer believes the child intends or feels. Interpretive language is prohibited in raw observation logs. This discipline ensures that the dataset remains analytically neutral and can support multiple theoretical frameworks during later analysis.

Inter-rater reliability is measured quarterly using paired observation sessions where two independent observers record the same behavioural event simultaneously. Agreement rates are calculated using Cohen's kappa coefficient, with a minimum threshold of κ ≥ 0.80 required for an observer to maintain active research fellow status. Observers who fall below this threshold undergo recalibration training before resuming data collection.

Data logging is primarily paper-based during observation sessions to minimise device interference in the classroom environment. Completed observation forms are digitised within 48 hours using a structured spreadsheet format that mirrors the paper form fields. The Institute deliberately avoids real-time digital logging devices (tablets, wearables) in classroom settings to preserve the naturalistic observation conditions that define the methodology.

For the Innovation domain — including the Space Lab and Drone Research Centre — supplementary data capture includes timestamped photographic documentation (anonymised), engineering log books maintained by students themselves, and periodic video recordings of prototyping sessions (with informed consent and assent). These materials serve as triangulation sources for behavioural observation data.

All instruments, templates, and reliability assessment tools are available for download above under CC-BY-4.0 licence, enabling external researchers to replicate the methodology in their own institutional contexts.

  • Methodology
  • Limitations
  • Open Data Access