Abstract

Background: Behavior analysis relies on the measurement and quantification of behavior. Recent research has argued that measuring and quantifying behavior may have detrimental effects on the measured behaviors. To investigate this claim, the current study surveyed avid cyclists to assess their reported yearly biking habits, use of personal quantification devices, reported interest/enjoyment in biking, and use of exercise-related social media platforms.
Methods: Two groups of avid bikers were surveyed about biking and how personal quantification affected interest. Participants were asked a series of questions about their cycling habits in general, their use of a bike computer for personal quantification, questions about their enjoyment in biking activities, and use of exercise-related social media platforms.
Results: Nearly all (94%) bikers reported using computerized personal quantification using bike computers, reported high levels of enjoyment, and reported they found quantification made bicycling more enjoyable and interesting.
Conclusion: This result refutes claims that personal quantification undermines intrinsic interest, enjoyment, or happiness. Personal quantification facilitates continued activity engagement and sharing quantified information with other interested individuals may make interesting activities even more interesting. Rather than “undermine intrinsic interest” or “turn play into work,” personal quantification is supplemental to the total activity experience. The results obtained here indicate personal quantification can facilitate expert performance and the experience of flow.