Mobile-Based Experience Sampling for Behaviour Research

TL;DR

This paper reviews recent advancements in mobile experience sampling methods (mESM), highlighting how mobile devices enhance ecological validity, reduce participant burden, and enable personalized behaviour interventions in psychological research.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of mobile-based ESM technologies and discusses future directions for integrating mobile devices into behaviour research.

Findings

Mobile devices improve data collection and ecological validity.

Sensors automate reporting, reducing participant burden.

Mobile ESM enables personalized and timely interventions.

Abstract

The Experience Sampling Method (ESM) introduces in-situ sampling of human behaviour, and provides researchers and behavioural therapists with ecologically valid and timely assessments of a person's psychological state. This, in turn, opens up new opportunities for understanding behaviour at a scale and granularity that was not possible just a few years ago. The practical applications are many, such as the delivery of personalised and agile behaviour interventions. Mobile computing devices represent a revolutionary platform for improving ESM. They are an inseparable part of our daily lives, context-aware, and can interact with people at suitable moments. Furthermore, these devices are equipped with sensors, and can thus take part of the reporting burden off the participant, and collect data automatically. The goal of this survey is to discuss recent advancements in using mobile technologies for ESM (mESM), and present our vision of the future of mobile experience sampling.