University of Twente Student Theses
Who is the self-tracker? Establishing an initial instrument to holistically assess self-tracking behaviours
Floris, A. (2022) Who is the self-tracker? Establishing an initial instrument to holistically assess self-tracking behaviours.
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| Abstract: | The advancement of tracking technology has given users new ways to understand and rediscover themselves. Despite its widespread use in consumer goods and medical contexts, a better understanding of self-tracking is needed. The current study aimed to develop an initial instrument to assess the self-tracker in a comprehensive manner, taking into account both self-tracker characteristics as well as the subject of privacy. A thematic literature study was undertaken to identify the key topics associated with self-tracking behaviour, and a questionnaire was designed, piloted, and assessed on 132 participants. Following a thorough descriptive analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the instrument’s validity. The descriptive analysis showed that trackers desire control over both their bodies (i.e., self-optimisation) and their data (i.e., data ownership). Trackers, on the other hand, expect control without necessarily wanting to exercise it or understand the complexities necessary for efficient data management, rendering them vulnerable to data ownership loss. Further, the CFA resulted in a 6-factor model with 28 items, one of which was healthism. However, because the instrument lacked the necessary discriminant validity, future research should employ it with caution. This study serves as a first step toward a comprehensive understanding of self-tracking behaviour by offering a preliminary instrument. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 77 psychology |
| Programme: | Psychology MSc (66604) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/92475 |
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