Publication Type

Book Chapter

Version

acceptedVersion

Publication Date

2012

Abstract

We divide our review of cross-cultural applications of experience sampling methodology (ESM) into five main areas. First, we review studies that compare online (via ESM) and retrospective responses (via single-session surveys) and show that the two measures lead to different conclusions about cultural differences. Second, we review studies that highlight the distinction between quantity (i.e., how often certain events occur) and subjective quality (i.e., how events are experienced), and demonstrate that cultural differences may exist in either or both of these aspects. Third, we review studies that examine cultural differences in intra-psychic phenomena or within-person correlations (i.e., how psychological states covary with situational factors across cultures). These studies capture processes that may shift rapidly across contexts—such as the activation of different cultural identities and subsequent emotions. Fourth, we discuss the potential of ESM data to quantify the amount of intra-individual variation across cultures. That is, how much people’s feelings and behaviors vary overall from situation to situation—an issue that is distinct from mean-level and correlational studies. With each of the major applications, we discuss the unique advantages of using ESM. Fifth and last, we review the challenges associated with using ESM in different cultures and directions for future research.

Keywords

Multicultural psychology, Human behavior, experience sampling methodology

Discipline

Social Psychology

Research Areas

Psychology

Publication

Handbook of Research Methods for Studying Daily Life

Editor

Matthias R. Mehl, and Tamlin S. Conner

First Page

539

Last Page

552

ISBN

9781609187477

Publisher

Guilford Press

City or Country

New York

Comments

Edited by Matthias R. Mehl, Tamlin S. Conner

Additional URL

https://catalogue.library.smu.edu.sg/record=b1119387~S1

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