Ecological momentary assessment: Enriching knowledge of occupation using App-based research methodology

Abstract

This paper introduces occupational therapists to ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and outlines factors that guide the process of designing a project. EMA methodology is a research methodology that uses electronic devices and specially designed software, or Apps, to collect real-time data. This methodology may enhance the ecological validity of research by collecting data about daily occupations in situated contexts. EMA data collection provides access to highly detailed and specific data and has the potential to reveal longitudinal patterns of change over a short period of time. It is valued as a means to examine events, precursors, and consequences. EMA methodology presents an innovative approach to explore occupation, thus maximizing existing technology and software. It can also be a useful method for evaluative assessment, given its responsiveness to detecting change over time.