Innovative and ecological: integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science research

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a widely used methodology in psychological sciences; however, more broadly, environmental scientists have yet to fully capitalize on the benefits this method offers for gaining a critical understanding of subjective and behavioral responses to environmental f...

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Main Authors: Monika Lohani, Ginger Blodgett
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Psychology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1557055/full
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author Monika Lohani
Ginger Blodgett
author_facet Monika Lohani
Ginger Blodgett
author_sort Monika Lohani
collection DOAJ
description Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is a widely used methodology in psychological sciences; however, more broadly, environmental scientists have yet to fully capitalize on the benefits this method offers for gaining a critical understanding of subjective and behavioral responses to environmental factors. EMA enables the collection of experiences and actions occurring in one's natural environment as they unfold over time, allowing researchers to gain contextually informed, dynamic, and longitudinal insights. EMA can provide an accurate understanding of experiences and behaviors relevant to environmental science. To share this perspective, first, we describe current limitations in environmental research that could be addressed through the integration of EMA. Second, we discuss several benefits of adopting EMA in environmental sciences. Finally, we highlight the challenges and considerations involved in integrating EMA. The overarching implication of this work is to foster the interdisciplinary potential and promise of EMA methodology in advancing environmental science research.
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spelling doaj-art-55de4201dffb427dbc4a9fe17de189b72025-08-20T03:08:29ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Psychology1664-10782025-04-011610.3389/fpsyg.2025.15570551557055Innovative and ecological: integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science researchMonika LohaniGinger BlodgettEcological momentary assessment (EMA) is a widely used methodology in psychological sciences; however, more broadly, environmental scientists have yet to fully capitalize on the benefits this method offers for gaining a critical understanding of subjective and behavioral responses to environmental factors. EMA enables the collection of experiences and actions occurring in one's natural environment as they unfold over time, allowing researchers to gain contextually informed, dynamic, and longitudinal insights. EMA can provide an accurate understanding of experiences and behaviors relevant to environmental science. To share this perspective, first, we describe current limitations in environmental research that could be addressed through the integration of EMA. Second, we discuss several benefits of adopting EMA in environmental sciences. Finally, we highlight the challenges and considerations involved in integrating EMA. The overarching implication of this work is to foster the interdisciplinary potential and promise of EMA methodology in advancing environmental science research.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1557055/fullecological momentary assessmentinterdisciplinary researchinnovationecological advancementclimate change
spellingShingle Monika Lohani
Ginger Blodgett
Innovative and ecological: integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science research
Frontiers in Psychology
ecological momentary assessment
interdisciplinary research
innovation
ecological advancement
climate change
title Innovative and ecological: integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science research
title_full Innovative and ecological: integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science research
title_fullStr Innovative and ecological: integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science research
title_full_unstemmed Innovative and ecological: integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science research
title_short Innovative and ecological: integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science research
title_sort innovative and ecological integrating ecological momentary assessment into environmental science research
topic ecological momentary assessment
interdisciplinary research
innovation
ecological advancement
climate change
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1557055/full
work_keys_str_mv AT monikalohani innovativeandecologicalintegratingecologicalmomentaryassessmentintoenvironmentalscienceresearch
AT gingerblodgett innovativeandecologicalintegratingecologicalmomentaryassessmentintoenvironmentalscienceresearch