Experience sampling methods for work-family research: a review and research agenda

We need not conduct an empirical study to know that individuals’ work and family experiences are considerably dynamic. Family life can intrude on work without notice, and a difficult event at work can later strain relationships at home. Researchers seeking to understand this complexity can employ a data collection method, referred to as experience sampling (ESM), which captures frequent observations of phenomena, sometimes as they are happening. As a result, the data provide a rich picture of role experiences over time, and the method overcomes some of the limitations of cross-sectional survey research