Work

Beyond Self-Report: Tools to Compare Estimated and Real-World Smartphone Use

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Psychologists typically rely on self-report data when quantifying mobile phone usage, despite little evidence of its validity. In this paper we explore the accuracy of using self-reported estimates when compared with actual smartphone use. We also include source code to process and visualise these data. We compared 23 participants' actual smartphone use over a two-week period with self-reported estimates and the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale. Our results indicate that estimated time spent using a smartphone may be an adequate measure of use, unless a greater resolution of data are required. Estimates concerning the number of times an individual used their phone across a typical day did not correlate with actual smartphone use. Neither estimated duration nor number of uses correlated with the Mobile Phone Problem Use Scale. We conclude that estimated smartphone use should be interpreted with caution in psychological research.

Source: PLoS ONE

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139004

Authors: Sally Andrews, David A. Ellis, Heather Shaw, Lukasz Piwek

Institutions: Nottingham Trent University, University of Lincoln, Lancaster University, University of the West of England

Language: English

Topic: Impact of Technology on Adolescents

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,382