Understanding Ecological Momentary Assessment in Addiction Research with Dr. Andrew Jones
Ecological momentary assessment is just a collective name for a variety of techniques that allow you to measure whatever variable you're interested in the moment and in naturalistic settings.
Imagine trying to track someone's behavior in real-time, right as it happens. That's the essence of Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), a fascinating tool in addiction research. In this episode of 'Addiction Audio', Suzi Gage sits down with Dr. Andrew Jones to unpack his meta-analysis on EMA compliance rates among substance users. Dr. Jones' study dives into how often participants stick to EMA protocols and what that means for the quality of the data collected.
Spoiler: substance users tend to have lower compliance rates than recreational users, which poses a significant challenge for researchers. But compliance isn't just about ticking boxes; it's about ensuring the data collected is robust and meaningful. Dr. Jones highlights the need for a solid framework to better analyze and report these compliance rates, aiming to improve both the participation and the reliability of the data.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the nitty-gritty of addiction research and the innovative methods being used to understand it better.