Using Retrospective Phenomenological Assessment Instruments

Abstract

The Phenomenology of Consciousness Inventory (PCI), the Dimensions of Attention Questionnaire (DAQ), or another self-report instrument is administered by giving it to subjects to complete in reference to a preceding stimulus condition. Thus, if subjects sit quietly for four minutes, the questionnaire is completed after the four-minute period in reference to that time period. The PCI has been used in reference to time periods from two to four minutes, while the DAQ has been used in reference to time periods of two to three minutes. Asking subjects to complete the PCI or the DAQ in reference to longer time periods has not been investigated, although several researchers have given the PCI in reference to time periods as long as several hours (that research, to my knowledge, has not yet been published).