Qualitative Diary Methods: (Qualitative Research Methods)

Qualitative diary methods (QDMs) are a versatile range of multi-modal data collection methods that involve participants recording events and experiences, and emotions and reflections, as they happen, on multiple occasions and over a particular time period. These data collection methods include a pen and paper diary, as well as other electronic modes of diary keeping, including text but also audio, photo-, video-, and app-based diaries that allow for a range of modalities. This book covers the diversity of QDM options available to researchers, providing a clear rationale as to when and why different qualitative diary methods could be used. The authors consider research design, and ethical considerations for each of the distinct QDM approaches and provide end-of-chapter checklists and activities to help readers apply the methods to their own research.

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgements About the Authors Chapter 1: An Introduction to Qualitative Diary Methods What are QDMs? A brief history of QDMs When and why should I use QDMs? Conclusion Further Reading Chapter 2: Designing QDMs: Addressing Challenges and Ethical Dilemmas (Coauthored With Hannah Musiyarira) Sampling for QDMs Participant Retention and Engagement Designing QDMs Ethical Considerations Further Reading Chapter 3: Traditional Diary Methods Traditional approaches: An introduction Pen and Paper Diaries Audio Diaries Further Reading Chapter 4: Incorporating the Visual: Photo and Video Diaries Visual approaches: An introduction Photo Diaries Further Reading Chapter 5: There’s an App for that! Introducing Mobile ‘App’ Diaries (Coauthored With Joanne Gregory-Chialton Mobile ‘App’ Diaries: An Introduction App Diaries: Benefits and When and Why To Use Them Designing App Diaries: Practical Considerations To Adapt, Tailor, or Create an App. App Diary Checklist Further Reading Chapter 6: Analyzing Data From QDMs: Thematic Analysis and Beyond Analyzing QDMs: An Introduction Data Management and Preparation Choosing an Analytical Approach: Key Considerations Generic Thematic Analysis Approaches for QDM Analysis Analyzing Multimodal/Visual Diary Data Integrating Diary and Other Forms of Data Further Reading Chapter 7: QDM-Focused Analysis Approaches Introducing QDM-Focused Analytical Approaches: Capturing the ‘Down’ and ‘Across’ Benefits of QDMs Embracing the “Across”: Analysing QDMs Using Thematic Trajectory Analysis Reporting and Interpreting TTA and EDA: Reduction vs Reductive Further Reading Chapter 8: Concluding Chapter and the Future of QDMs Recapitulation: Key Points From Previous Chapters Key Considerations in Developing QDM Research Projects Developments in QDM Research: Looking Back and to the Future Conclusion Further Reading Appendix Glossary References Index

Review :
This book is an essential resource, offering innovative and practical approaches for analyzing the infrequently discussed methodology of qualitative diary analysis. A must-read for any qualitative researcher. This is an exceptional overview of an often overlooked and misunderstood methodological approach. Radcliffe and Spencer are able to seamlessly integrate a solid theoretical and methodological foundation with an applied "real world" approach ensuring readers are able to both understand and practice qualitative diary methods in a constructive and innovative manner that should advance the practice across the social sciences and beyond. This text offers an important addition to qualitative research methodologies for consideration in the context of today′s expanding sources of data.