ESRA 2027 sessions by theme
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Mobile Apps and Sensors in Surveys: evidence on what works |
| Coordinator 1 | Dr Bella Struminskaya (Utrecht University) |
| Coordinator 2 | Professor Jan Karem Hoehne (German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW) ) |
| Coordinator 3 | Professor Florian Keusch (University of Mannheim) |
| Coordinator 4 | Professor Peter Lugtig (Utrecht University) |
Session Details
Mobile devices allow researchers to collect data through built-in sensors such as GPS and accelerometers to study movement, passively collect data in-browser, or using apps in addition to self-report. Passive mobile data collection can potentially decrease measurement errors and reduce respondent burden. Active data collection using apps, camera, microphone, or other sensors allows researchers to broaden the research questions they want to study. Incorporating sensor measurements to augment or replace survey questions through sensors and apps brings challenges for representativeness, survey design and implementation, measurement, as well as ethical and legal considerations that are yet to be understood.
We welcome contributions that use empirical data to study one or more aspects of conducting surveys via mobile apps and sensors:
Technical aspects of mobile apps and sensors
* Different ways to collect sensor data
* Building apps for Android and iOS
* Data processing and storage
Implementation
* Fieldwork design
* Willingness to participate and consent
* Methods to invite and communicate with study participants
* Study length and study intensity
* Legal considerations
* Ethical and privacy considerations
* Giving feedback to respondents
Data quality of sensor data
* Errors of non-representation (self-selection, coverage, nonparticipation)
* Measurement error (prevention, modeling and correction)
Data analysis
* Analysing sensor data
* Combining survey and sensor data
Contributions should list clearly in their abstract what empirical data will be used, including some details on for example sample sizes. We are looking for contributions that by the time of ESRA have actually collected data via mobile apps. Design studies, or small user-tests are not the focus of this session.
