330.687.79
Methods for using Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in Mental Health Research
Location
Internet
Term
Summer Institute
Department
Mental Health
Credit(s)
1
Academic Year
2026 - 2027
Instruction Method
Online Synchronous (at least one synch session/week)
Start Date
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
End Date
Thursday, May 28, 2026
W, Th, 8:30am - 12:20pm
Auditors Allowed
No
Available to Undergraduate
No
Grading Restriction
Letter Grade or Pass/Fail
Course Instructor(s)
Contact Name
Frequency Schedule
Every Year
Resources
Prerequisite
A basic understanding of survey research and computer skills (no programming or software development skills required).
Enrollment Restriction
None
If you reach into your pocket or bag, you are likely carrying a global positioning system (GPS) device, like a smartphone, that measures your location in real-time. Are you curious about how to use this GPS data to measure real-word mobility and behavior to improve mental health? Given the proliferation in use of and data available from GPS-enabled devices, this course provides foundational training in how to use GPS data to assess mobility and behaviors that can ultimately inform interventions to improve mental health. Students will learn how GPS measures relate to mental health, as well as key study design considerations and common pitfalls to avoid when designing their own GPS studies.
Introduces global positioning system (GPS) methods to study human mobility in real-world environments that influence mental health. Provides a brief overview of study design, measurement, and analytic considerations when conducting a behavioral study using GPS. Gives students firsthand experience working with GPS data using smartphone apps to help design their own studies.
Learning Objectives
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
- Explain concepts of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) to measure real-time mobility and behavior of individuals in their broader environments.
- Explain the basic design components of GPS studies, including selecting devices, wear protocols, and sampling frames.
- Identify common measurement problems impacting study quality when using GPS to measure behavior
- Plan and design their own small GPS study to assess behavior relevant to mental health.
Upon successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
Methods of Assessment
This course is evaluated as follows:
- 25% Participation
- 75% Final Project
The course will use a virtual format in two one half day sessions using Zoom. Students are expected to have a laptop computer with working WIFI/Internet access.