Experience sampling method
Encyclopedia
This research methodology, developed by Larson and Csikszentmihalyi (1983) asks participants to stop at certain times and make notes of their experience in real time. The point is for them to record temporal things like feelings while in the moment (right then, not later; right there, not elsewhere). They can be given a journal with many identical pages. Each page can have a psychometric scale
, open-ended questions, or anything else used to assess their condition in that place and time.
There are different ways to signal participants when to take notes in their journal, like using preprogrammed stopwatches. An observer can have an identically programmed stopwatch
(the Timex
Data Link USB is easy to program for this with a PC), so the observer can record specific events as the participants are recording their feelings or other behaviors. It is best to avoid letting subjects know in advance when they will record their feelings, so they can't anticipate the event, and will just be "acting naturally" when they stop and take notes on their current condition.
Validity in these studies comes from repetition, so you can look for patterns like participants reporting greater happiness right after meals. These correlations can then be tested by other means for cause and effect, since ESM just shows correlation.
Psychometrics
Psychometrics is the field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement, which includes the measurement of knowledge, abilities, attitudes, personality traits, and educational measurement...
, open-ended questions, or anything else used to assess their condition in that place and time.
There are different ways to signal participants when to take notes in their journal, like using preprogrammed stopwatches. An observer can have an identically programmed stopwatch
Stopwatch
A stopwatch is a handheld timepiece designed to measure the amount of time elapsed from a particular time when activated to when the piece is deactivated. A large digital version of a stopwatch designed for viewing at a distance, as in a sports stadium, is called a stopclock.The timing functions...
(the Timex
SDI Technologies
SDI Technologies is the name of a consumer electronics manufacturer whose products are marketed under several national brands, including Timex, Sylvania, and iHome. They used to market under Soundesign, a now defunct brand. They are affiliated with KIDdesigns, a manufacturer of child-oriented toys...
Data Link USB is easy to program for this with a PC), so the observer can record specific events as the participants are recording their feelings or other behaviors. It is best to avoid letting subjects know in advance when they will record their feelings, so they can't anticipate the event, and will just be "acting naturally" when they stop and take notes on their current condition.
Validity in these studies comes from repetition, so you can look for patterns like participants reporting greater happiness right after meals. These correlations can then be tested by other means for cause and effect, since ESM just shows correlation.
Free software
Various free software packages are available for computerized experience sampling.- ESP, the Experience Sampling Program, created by Lisa Feldman BarrettLisa Feldman BarrettLisa Feldman Barrett is a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, where she focuses on the study of emotion. She is director of the Interdisciplinary Affective Science Laboratory and is co-director of the Laboratory of Aging and Emotion at Massachusetts General Hospital...
and Daniel J. BarrettDaniel J. BarrettDaniel J. Barrett is a writer, software engineer, and musician. He is best known for his technology books, his work with progressive rock band Gentle Giant, and the imaginary computer game BLAZEMONGER.-Writing:...
, runs on Palm Pilots. It is available under the GNU Public License.