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Measuring mind wandering with experience sampling during task performance: An item response theory investigation
Anthony P Zanesco1, Nicholas T Van Dam2, Ekaterina Denkova3
1Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA. apzanesco@gmail.com.
Behavior Research Methods
|July 24, 2024
Summary
Researchers can improve mind wandering assessment by using earlier probes and continuous or multi-category rating scales. These methods enhance measurement precision for understanding off-task thought tendencies.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychometrics
Background:
- Mind wandering is commonly measured using experience sampling with probes during cognitive tasks.
- Methodological choices in probe design and response options lack standardized guidance and can impact psychometric properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the psychometric properties of various mind wandering assessment approaches.
- To provide guidance for optimizing measurement precision in mind wandering research.
Main Methods:
- Utilized item response theory (IRT) latent modeling.
- Analyzed probe presentation timing and response scale formats (continuous, categorical, dichotomous).
Main Results:
- Measurement information varied with probe timing; earlier probes better identified high mind wanderers.
- Continuous or multi-category ratings offered more information across a broader range of mind wandering tendency than dichotomous ratings.
- Task-related thoughts were confirmed as contributing to task-focused dimensions.
Conclusions:
- IRT analysis offers valuable insights into optimizing mind wandering assessment procedures.
- Strategic probe placement and response scale selection can significantly enhance measurement accuracy.
- Findings support the inclusion of task-related thoughts in conceptualizations of task focus.
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