The inaccuracies for measurements of roll were higher than for pitch, d =. Bayesian ANOVAs confirmed that the deviations in pitch and roll differed between smartphone models, with mean inaccuracies per device of up to 2.1° and 6.6°, respectively. Objective status of pitch (vertical orientation) and roll (horizontal orientation) of the smartphone was compared to data gathered from the sensors via web browsers and native apps. With the present study, we investigated the accuracy of orientation data about the spatial position of smartphones via a newly invented measurement device, the RollPitcher. How accurate this sensor data is when gathered via different smartphone devices, e.g., in a typical experience sampling framework, has not been investigated systematically. They provide the option to verify self-report data with data from sensors built into most smartphones.
Smartphones offer the possibility to gather longitudinal data at little cost to researchers and participants. Smartphone usage is increasing around the globe-in daily life and as a research device in behavioral science.
