Data Analysis
Data analysis

Tracking quality control

Tracking quality control checks whether position, zone, and event data are reliable before endpoints are calculated.

Decision summary

Use tracking quality control before interpreting distance, zone time, entries, velocity, or social interaction endpoints. A clean chart is not enough; report the rules used to detect and handle tracking failures.

InputRaw frames, coordinates, identity labels, event markers, and timestamps.
QC checksMissing frames, impossible jumps, identity swaps, boundary errors, and dropped sessions.
OutputAccepted endpoint table plus exclusion and interpolation log.
Audit fieldSoftware version, threshold settings, zone map, and correction rules.

Use when

  • Video, sensor, RFID, or automated position data are converted into endpoints.
  • Zone entry, dwell time, distance, velocity, or interaction measures depend on tracking accuracy.
  • Data are collected across rigs, rooms, lighting conditions, or software versions.

Do not use when

  • Raw position data are unavailable and endpoint errors cannot be audited.
  • Tracking failures differ by group, arena, lighting, or subject appearance.
Caveats
  • Tracking errors can create false distance, false entries, or missing dwell time.
  • Interpolation can make data smoother while hiding systematic failure.
  • Zone maps must match the physical arena and camera perspective.
Reporting checklist
  • Report tracking system and software version.
  • Report zone definitions and calibration method.
  • Report missing-frame and interpolation rules.
  • Report session-level exclusion criteria.
  • Keep raw tracking data or QC summaries available for audit.
References
Bains et al. 2024. OPEN: an open-source platform for automated behavioral analysis.
Example of modern automated behavioral tracking and analysis context.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38470868/
ARRIVE 2.0 guidelines 2020.
Reporting framework for methods, software, and analysis transparency.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32663219/

Related surfaces

Use these related surfaces to move from the scientific method question to the relevant product page, endpoint definition, analysis tool, or adjacent guide.

Distance traveled

Endpoint affected by tracking quality.

Time in zone

Zone endpoint requiring boundary checks.

Exploratory behavior paradigms

Paradigm where tracking QC is central.