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Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in Family Research

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Emerging Methods in Family Research

Part of the book series: National Symposium on Family Issues ((NSFI,volume 4))

Abstract

Family researchers are often interested in dynamic complex processes that are present in daily life and regular activities, occur both within and between individuals, and unfold over various periods of time. Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) and other approaches for intensive, real-world data collection enable researchers to collect large amounts of information in people’s natural environments. We provide an overview of the rationale and benefits of using EMA methods and discuss the types of questions in family research that can be addressed with such intensive assessment strategies. There are many design and practical issues that researchers must consider when implementing EMA studies, and a brief overview of such considerations is provided. Finally, we discuss areas in family research where we believe it may be particularly useful to incorporate EMA methods, such as in interventions.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Biobehavioral Health & Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

    Joshua M. Smyth PhD

  2. Survey Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA

    Kristin E. Heron PhD

Authors
  1. Joshua M. Smyth PhD
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  2. Kristin E. Heron PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Joshua M. Smyth PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Human Develop. & Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

    Susan M. McHale

  2. Department of Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

    Paul Amato

  3. Department of Sociology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

    Alan Booth

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Smyth, J., Heron, K. (2014). Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) in Family Research. In: McHale, S., Amato, P., Booth, A. (eds) Emerging Methods in Family Research. National Symposium on Family Issues, vol 4. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-01562-0_9

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