Diary Method: Research Methods

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First published Open Access under a Creative Commons license as What is Diary Method, this title is now also available as part of the Bloomsbury Research Methods series. This book provides an up-to-date, concise, and engaging introduction to solicited diary method, aimed at researchers and students who want to employ this methodology in their projects. Its primary focus is on the use of solicited diary method in the context of social and health-related research, but it also offers useful guidance on the everyday practice of diary-keeping. The authors draw on published research that makes use of this method, including their own independent studies involving older adults and family carers. The book opens with an overview of the development of diary techniques and a discussion of the value of the method, and provides an overview of the different ways of collecting and using diary data and techniques for analysing it. Key ethical issues are sensitively discussed. The book engages with new and novel developments in solicited diary method by engaging with the use of technology including discussion of how digital devices, email exchanges, social media such as Facebook, weblogs and micro-blogging such as Twitter, have the potential to change the meaning and nature of diary-keeping. The book includes a variety of visuals to enhance understanding, including a tabulated summary of the main strengths and limitations of using diary method, and strategies for mitigating limitations.

Reviews

[The authors'] considerable experience of using diary method in health and social care research, together with the many practical examples drawn from up-to-date and diverse literature, makes this an enjoyable and authentic read, as well as an important contribution to the literature ... Bartlett and Milligan have raised the profile and value of diary method as a versatile research tool. The book is an excellent starting point for academics and students who will be inspired by the many practical examples. It is also an ideal reference text for those wishing to incorporate diary method into research methods courses ... [and] has much to offer those in health and social research. I will be recommending this book to my students and colleagues. * International Journal of Research & Method in Education *
Gives an excellent overview of how solicited diaries can offer researchers new insights into peoples experiences. A welcome addition to the research methods literature for anyone involved in health and social sciences research. * Jenny Hislop, Senior Researcher at the University of Oxford, UK *
First easily understandable book on diary method, which comprehensively explains how to do it practically. Perfectly suitable for undergraduates. Easy to follow and good step-by-step instructions. Great chapters on sensory and audiovisual approaches and mixed methods approaches, they really add great value to the book. * Stephanie Tischler, IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems, Austria *

Author Bio

Ruth Bartlett is Associate Professor in Health Sciences at the University of Southampton, UK. Christine Milligan is Professor of Health and Medicine and Director of the Centre for Ageing Research at Lancaster University, UK.