The Experience Sampling Method in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Research

1, 2, ABD,

1,

Thomas Sather
Nickola Nelson PhD
1 Western Michigan University PhD Program in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences, Kalamazoo, MI
2The University of Wisconsin Eau Claire

What is the Experience Sampling Method

(ESM)?
A process of collecting repeated assessments
within the natural context of an individuals
daily life
A method developed in the early 1970s,
credited to positive psychologist Mihaly
Csikszentmihalyi

Potential advantages
Naturalistic observations with potential for
higher degrees of ecological validity; nonintrusive sampling techniques, reduction of
potential for memory bias 1

Single subject case study with

individual with aphasia2

Research
Question

Situation-related questions
Person-related questions

Sampling
Schedule

Interval contingent
Event contingent
Signal-contingent

Data
gathering
tools

Personal electronic device

Non-WiFi dependent
Low-tech journals or forms
Sampling apps

Statistical
analyses
and data
display

Descriptives
z-scores
Hierarchical Linear Modeling
(HLM)

Monitoring multiple selfreported behaviors and

environmental situations

Aligning research and clinical

intervention with the WHOICF framework

Facilitating goal-directed
behavior and increasing
accountability

Resources

2.

Fitzgerald-DeJean, D., Rubin,

S., & Carson, R. (2012). An
application of the experience
sampling method in the study
of aphasia: A case report.
Aphasiology, 2, 234-251.

3.

WHO. (2013). How to use the

ICF: A practical manual for
using the International
Classification of Functioning,
Disability and Health (ICF).
Exposure draft for comment.
Geneva: World Health
Organization.

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Sampling Schedule
HIGH CHALLENGE, LOW SKILL

Experience
Sampling
Method

Data Gathering Tools

Hektner, J., Schmidt, J., &

Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2007).
Experience Sampling Method:
Measuring the quality of
everyday life. Thousand Oaks:
Sage Publications.

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Research Question

1.
Challenge - Skill Quadrant

Mean Ranking (Person - Level z-score)

Potential weaknesses
Self-selection bias
Lack of familiarity with technologies used in
sampling techniques
Potential privacy issues the quantified self,
geotagging

Research & Clinical

Application

Processes involved in the

Experience Sampling Method

Statistical Analyses
and Data Display

Familiarity

HIGH CHALLENGE, HIGH SKILL

Extra Support

LOW CHALLENGE, HIGH SKILL

Time Available

LOW CHALLENGE, LOW SKILL

Communication Complexity

Aphasia Awareness

Data presented for illustrative

purposes only

The WHO-ICF conceptualizes functioning as a dynamic interaction between a

3
persons health condition, environmental factors and personal factors