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The Flow Observational Grid: an Observation-Based Solution to Assess Flow States

Author

Listed:
  • Camille Tordet

    (Univ Rennes, LP3C (Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication))

  • Séverine Erhel

    (Univ Rennes, LP3C (Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication))

  • Eric Wodey

    (Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, LTSI – UMR 1099)

  • Eric Jamet

    (Univ Rennes, LP3C (Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication))

  • Nicolas Nardi

    (Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, LTSI – UMR 1099)

  • Corentin Gonthier

    (Univ Rennes, LP3C (Laboratoire de Psychologie: Cognition, Comportement, Communication))

Abstract

The flow experience is a state in which people are completely concentrated and immersed in an activity. This positive psychology concept is relevant to both performance and subjective well-being in a range of activities, but it is difficult to measure: the usual methods of questionnaires and physiological measurements are inappropriate for many applied settings and may interfere with the flow state itself. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the feasibility of a third approach, observation-based flow measurement, by developing and validating the Flow Observational Grid (FOG). The FOG is composed of three dimensions scored by an independent observer: concentration, joy and frustration. The psychometric properties of the grid were assessed in a sample of 50 participants each playing nine short video game sessions. Recordings of the 450 video game sessions were coded by two observers with the FOG, and the convergence between FOG scores and a flow questionnaire was assessed. The FOG demonstrated very good inter-rater reliability, as well as convergent validity with the short version of the FSS. Our results show that it is possible to assess flow using observation-based methods as an alternative to more accurate measures, which may be useful in many contexts where physiological and self-reported measures are not practical.

Suggested Citation

  • Camille Tordet & Séverine Erhel & Eric Wodey & Eric Jamet & Nicolas Nardi & Corentin Gonthier, 2021. "The Flow Observational Grid: an Observation-Based Solution to Assess Flow States," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(7), pages 3069-3089, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:22:y:2021:i:7:d:10.1007_s10902-021-00356-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-021-00356-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Thais Rogatko, 2009. "The Influence of Flow on Positive Affect in College Students," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 10(2), pages 133-148, April.
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    3. Tahmine Tozman & Yichelle Y. Zhang & Regina Vollmeyer, 2017. "Inverted U-Shaped Function Between Flow and Cortisol Release During Chess Play," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(1), pages 247-268, February.
    4. Kiyoshi Asakawa, 2004. "Flow Experience and Autotelic Personality in Japanese College Students: How do they Experience Challenges in Daily Life?," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 5(2), pages 123-154, June.
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    6. Michael T. Knierim & Raphael Rissler & Verena Dorner & Alexander Maedche & Christof Weinhardt, 2018. "The Psychophysiology of Flow: A Systematic Review of Peripheral Nervous System Features," Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organization, in: Fred D. Davis & René Riedl & Jan vom Brocke & Pierre-Majorique Léger & Adriane B. Randolph (ed.), Information Systems and Neuroscience, pages 109-120, Springer.
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