Using Diaries in Social Research

This module demonstrates the practical application of diary methods in social research through two different organizational contexts, highlighting recruitment strategies, participant experiences, and the distinctive value of diary data.

Emma Wincup and Kirsty Pattrick share their experiences using diaries in social research from both charity and academic perspectives, with Emma’s “Grounded Voices” program focusing on financial hardship and Kirsty’s Mass Observation project collecting everyday life documentation. They explore practical aspects including recruitment approaches, digital platforms, participant engagement strategies, and analysis challenges, while emphasizing how diary methods offer unique flexibility and inclusivity that captures detailed experiences often missed by other qualitative approaches.