Chapter Thirteen - Using Self-recording: Diary and Narrative Methods

1

For what reasons would you use diaries as a data collection technique?

  • You are interested in the temporal order of events / behaviours / feelings / phenomena
  • You need to collect data frequently over a considerable period of time
  • You need "intimate" information about a person's life - diaries may engender honesty and self-revelation
  • You need data that is gathered contemporaneous with the events to which it refers, rather than gaining retrospective information
  • Your study requires data from an era other than your own
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2

What potential problems can you encounter with the diary method?

  • Respondent motivation - Diaries are a more labour intensive process for respondents than most forms of data collection. Respondents may stop completing the diaries properly or lose interest
  • Selection bias - volunteers for a diary project are likely to be more emotionally stable, less time pressured and more acquiescent than average
  • The "reactance" effect - diary writing may actually alter behaviour, thoughts and feelings of the person in question
  • Sample maintenance - if respondent motivation is lacking, some respondents may drop out of the study altogether
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3

Outline 5 aspects of good practice in administering diaries to respondents.

  • Comprehensive instructions: make confidentiality explicit, make respondent aware of possibility of reactance, be brief but clear
  • Give example of completed diary in order to boost comprehension of the process
  • Initial face-to-face introductory contact with respondent
  • Diary format: good print quality, leave sufficient room for answers
  • Incentives: financial incentives contingent on performance can boost motivation and sample maintenance
  • Maintain frequent contact with respondent: more likely to complete the diary, and continue
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