Experience sampling: opening the black box of daily life

Introduction

People can be asked to share information about their daily life through their smartphones. For instance, users can be asked to fill out micro-questionnaires or enable GPS tracking. Such data collection methods are called Experience Sampling Methods (ESM).

With ESM, it is possible to assess exciting new research questions, but these data collection methods also come with challenges and questions. What research questions can I answer? How do I design an ESM-based study? How do I analyse obtained data? This workshop aims to help researchers explore these questions.

Course information 

ECTS: 2
Number of sessions: 3
Hours per session: 3

Aims and working method

The workshop begins with a lecture about why it is relevant and useful to study daily life processes with ESM. Subsequently, participants follow two modules. Module A focuses on designing an ESM study, for instance with regard to developing sampling schemes, monitoring protocols and measurement instruments. Module B is about analysing ESM data in R.

Session descriptions

• Session 1: Lecture

• Session 2: Module A

• Session 3: Module B

Entry level and relevance

The workshop is relevant for researchers from all disciplines who apply quantitative research techniques. Participants will be invited to bring data and discuss examples from their own research.

Module A (designing an ESM study) does not require specific entry skills or knowledge. Module B (analysing ESM data) requires basic knowledge of R. If you doubt whether you have the proper entry level for module B, please contact Marleen de Moor at demoor@essb.eur.nl.