Relevance & Research Question: Wearables and tracking tools are on the rise on the market, and prominent manufacturers introduce an improved device at least each year. Devices come in manifold forms, colors, and with different functionalities for virtually every occasion: from smart clothing over fashionable accessories to data glasses, with the capability to measure all kinds of scientifically interesting data. What possibilities offer these wearables and self-tracking technologies for scientific research, especially in the field of psychology and social sciences? More specifically, what added value has the collection of such objective biometric data in connection with subjective self-reported data via online surveys?

Methods & Data: We used a mixed methods approach: 1) An extensive literature research on studies with and about wearables and tools to measure physical and biometric data was conducted to provide a base for our literature review on possibilities for future scientific research. 2) A quantitative survey study (n = 98) was conducted to yield a first insight in the usability and acceptance of wearables in everyday life, especially working life.

Results: There are manifold devices on the market, and some have already been successfully used for research purposes in various scientific fields. In our review, we evaluate the pros and cons of these tools for scientific research in social sciences, and highlight promising research trends, as well as provide guidelines for how to avoid obstacles and achieve valid study results.

Added Value: This is, to our knowledge, the first attempt to provide an overview over the vast possibilities of wearable and self-tracking technology for scientific research purposes in social sciences, with a specific focus on previously conducted studies with such devices and an outlook on the usability for future, especially psychological, research. The review outlines possibilities and obstacles according to previously conducted research and additionally offers guidelines and recommendations for conducting future research endeavors.