Using ecological momentary assessment to understand a construction worker’s daily disruptions and decisions

Capturing the momentary decisions and actions made by construction workers in response to workflow disruptions is challenging because, until now, there has not been a minimally disruptive data collection method that allows workers to identify their decision process ‘in the moment’. However, an Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) method—designed to capture momentary work experiences in natural settings—can provide researchers with detailed information about the daily challenges experienced by workers during the course of performing their tasks. An explanation of the method is provided, along with examples of the types of research questions that can be addressed and appropriate analysis techniques. The EMA method is being used on a federally funded research programme in the United States that is investigating how construction workers adapt to workflow disruptions by improvising their decisions and actions. Consequently, this article demonstrates the use of the method by presenting an idiographic study of William, an electrical construction worker. The evaluation of William’s disruptions, decisions and actions elucidated an important relationship: every one of William’s disruptions required an improvisational action in order for him to continue working. The EMA method opens the door to the development of new theories about rapid decisions and subsequent actions on construction sites.