The Use of the Diary as a Data Collection Technique

The initiation of a research project requires many decisions, not the least of which is the selection of a method for data collection. This decision is, in large measure, guided by the nature of the research question which generally prescribes the selection of a strategy for data collection from amo...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Western journal of nursing research 1994-08, Vol.16 (4), p.414-425
Main Authors: Ross, Margaret M., Rideout, Elizabeth M., Carson, Mary M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autobiography as Topic
Bias
Caregivers
Caregivers - psychology
Data collection
Data Collection - methods
Diaries
Humans
Medical research
Nurses - psychology
Nursing
Nursing Methodology Research - methods
Research Design
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:The initiation of a research project requires many decisions, not the least of which is the selection of a method for data collection. This decision is, in large measure, guided by the nature of the research question which generally prescribes the selection of a strategy for data collection from among an array of possible alternatives. This article addresses the use of a diary for data collection. Although diaries have traditionally been used in social science and health research, their use in nursing research is more recent. The article begins with a brief discussion of the rationale for using the diary to gather data in a study of personal and professional care giving. A brief review of the use of diaries in previous studies follows, along with a description of the use of a diary in the caregiving study and a discussion of the possible threats to high quality data as well as measures used to ensure the collection of high quality data The article concludes with a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the diary andmakes recommendations regarding its use in nursing research.
ISSN:0193-9459
1552-8456
DOI:10.1177/019394599401600406