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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.




 
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
Key features
  • Covers a range of diary collection methods including text but also visual methods.
  • Shows when and why different qualitative diary methods could be used.
  • Includes end-of-chapter checklists and activities to help readers apply the methods to their own research.

Sample Materials & Chapters

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