A mixed-method approach to studying boredom

This paper provides critical methodological reflections on studying boredom through both qualitative and quantitative tools. Specifically, I build on research on everyday Canadians that combined Experience Sampling Method (ESM) with standard surveys and in-depth interviews before and during the pandemic. I first discuss the specific advances made by capturing boredom as it occurs, supplemented with survey and interview data. I then turn to a discussion of the possibilities of combining methodological tools to capture variation before and after a critical, disruptive event like the recent pandemic, notably in generating theoretical insight. Finally, I talk about challenges associated with applying such research tools and designs to the study of emotions. Notably, I focus on the thorny issue of making sense of what people say relative to what they do, as well as isolating the influence of socio-demographic and pandemic-related processes on meanings, experiences, and behaviors. Implications are discussed for studies on emotion and cultural sociology, more broadly.