Research Design Connection: Consequences of Measuring

by Sally Augustin, Ph.D. | July 18th, 2016

Devices are being used to collect information from people in a number of different situations, and the resulting data are being used to guide design. Research by Etkin indicates that measuring has psychological repercussions that could affect responses to objects and environments ultimately developed: “The appeal of personal quantification seems clear. By better understanding our behavior, we can make the necessary changes to live happier, healthier lives…Six experiments demonstrate that while measurement increases how much of an activity people do (e.g., walk or read more), it can simultaneously reduce how much people enjoy those activities. This occurs because measurement can undermine intrinsic motivation. By drawing attention to output, measurement can make enjoyable activities feel more like work, which reduces their enjoyment. As a result, measurement can decrease continued engagement in the activity and subjective well-being. Even in the absence of explicit external incentives, measurement itself can thus have similar effects.” …