Ambulatory assessment (AA) is
computer-assisted
Computer-aided or computer-assisted is an adjectival phrase that hints of the use of a computer as an indispensable tool in a certain field, usually derived from more traditional fields of science and engineering. Instead of the phrase computer-ai ...
methodology for self-reports, behavior records or psychological measurements, while the subject undergoes normal activities in daily life.
AA is used in clinical psychology to investigate symptoms, predict recurrence or onset of new symptoms, monitor treatment effects, prevent relapse, and indicate necessary interventions.
In the early ambulatory assessment, personal digital assistants and
interactive voice response systems were used. They have now been replaced by
smartphone
A smartphone is a portable computer device that combines mobile telephone and computing functions into one unit. They are distinguished from feature phones by their stronger hardware capabilities and extensive mobile operating systems, whic ...
s, and this has made the
data collection
Data collection or data gathering is the process of gathering and measuring information on targeted variables in an established system, which then enables one to answer relevant questions and evaluate outcomes. Data collection is a research com ...
more feasible.
Characteristics
# The recording takes place in real-life situations
# A computer-assisted methodology is widely used
# The evaluator attempts to minimise the method dependent reactivity and strives to achieve a high degree of
ecological balance
The balance of nature, also known as ecological balance, is a theory that proposes that ecological systems are usually in a stable equilibrium or homeostasis, which is to say that a small change (the size of a particular population, for example) w ...
# The assessment can be continuous, event-based, interactive, time-based, or randomly prompted
# It is idiographic in focus and allows for the examination of multiple individual processes
The Ambulatory assessment can be applied in various areas of
psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Psychology includes the study of conscious and unconscious phenomena, including feelings and thoughts. It is an academic discipline of immense scope, crossing the boundaries betwe ...
and other
behavioral sciences
Behavioral sciences explore the cognitive processes within organisms and the behavioral interactions between organisms in the natural world. It involves the systematic analysis and investigation of human and animal behavior through naturalistic o ...
.
Modes of Data Collection
Event Controlled/Self-Report
The subject self-monitors the happenings of events and assess them whenever it occurs.
Varieties of devices are used to collect the data from the self reports.
The main concern with the self-report assessment is whether biases may influence the credibility of the results.
Time Controlled/Observational
In this mode, the subject follows the time-sampling schedule.
This mode provides the data through the observer’s point of view. Forms of Ambulatory assessment observational method are Electronically Activated Recorder (EAR),
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System (GPS), originally Navstar GPS, is a satellite-based radionavigation system owned by the United States government and operated by the United States Space Force. It is one of the global navigation satellite sy ...
(GPS) in phones or devices on the person. Light sensors to infer context, using video or sensors to detect interactions with others.
See also
*
Experience sampling method The experience sampling method (ESM), also referred to as a daily diary method, or ecological momentary assessment (EMA), is an intensive longitudinal research methodology that involves asking participants to report on their thoughts, feelings, beha ...
References
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Experimental psychology
Psychological methodology