
Open access
Date
2019-10Type
- Journal Article
Citations
Cited 26 times in
Web of Science
Cited 29 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
Altmetrics
Abstract
Face-to-face interactions are important for a variety of individual behaviors and outcomes. In recent years, a number of human sensor technologies have been proposed to incorporate direct observations in behavioral studies of face-to-face interactions. One of the most promising emerging technologies is the application of active Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) badges. They are increasingly applied in behavioral studies because of their low costs, straightforward applicability, and moderate ethical concerns. However, despite the attention that RFID badges have recently received, there is a lack of systematic tests on how valid RFID badges are in measuring face-to-face interactions. With two studies, we aim to fill this gap. Study 1 (N = 11) compares how data assessed with RFID badges correspond with video data of the same interactions (construct validity) and how this fit can be improved using straightforward data processing strategies. The analyses show that the RFID badges have a sensitivity of 50%, which can be enhanced to 65% when flickering signals with gaps of less than 75 s are interpolated. The specificity is relatively less affected by this interpolation process (before interpolation 97%, after interpolation 94.7%)—resulting in an improved accuracy of the measurement. In Study 2 (N = 73) we show that self-report data of social interactions correspond highly with data gathered with the RFID badges (criterion validity). Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000368129Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
Behavior Research MethodsVolume
Pages / Article No.
Publisher
SpringerSubject
RFID; Social sensor; Validity; Social interaction; Social networkOrganisational unit
09491 - Stadtfeld, Christoph / Stadtfeld, Christoph
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Show all metadata
Citations
Cited 26 times in
Web of Science
Cited 29 times in
Scopus
ETH Bibliography
yes
Altmetrics