Page 163 -

150 CHAPTER 6 Diaries

Some data collected in the diary will be relatively easy to analyze, if it is in
quantitative format. Those types of data points can be entered in a spreadsheet and
traditional statistical tests and measurements can be used (see Chapter 4 for more
information on statistics). However, it is expected that much of the data in a diary
will be of a qualitative nature. Since diaries are often used for more exploratory
research, where little is known, it is expected that much of the diary data will be in
qualitative format, in text described by the diarist. This descriptive text can then be
subjected to some form of content analysis (see Chapter 11), in which researchers
develop coding categories and code text according to the meaning of the descriptive
text (Alaszewski, 2006). Content analysis can help in understanding the meaning of
the text, allowing for a comparison between diary entries.
Assuming that the diary is somewhat structured in nature, coding and analysis
should not be overwhelmingly challenging, although researchers analyzing unsolic-
ited unstructured diaries (such as blogs) may find it very challenging to code diary en-
tries. An example of a diary report that collects both qualitative and quantitative data
is in the sidebar on task switching, earlier in this chapter. Follow-up interviews with
participants who keep an elicitation diary may involve the participants themselves
interpreting the data recorded. In many cases, even if the diary is not an elicitation di-
ary, the researchers can contact the participants to ask for clarification of diary entries.
Finally, after data analysis is performed, it is always a good idea to note how, in
the future, your approach to data collection through diaries might be modified and
improved.

6.8 SUMMARY
Diaries have a long history as a research tool in sociology and history, but have
only recently been adopted as a research tool in HCI. Diaries are very useful in a
number of different research situations. For instance, diaries are appropriate where
little is known about the usage patterns of a new technology, and there is not enough
background research for an experimental study. Diaries are useful where technology
is being used on the go and observation or experimental design would not be appro-
priate. Diaries are also useful where the research questions lead to data points that
cannot easily be observed or measured (such as feelings of frustration). Finally, dia-
ries are useful in triangulation: using multiple research methods to explore the same
phenomenon from different points of view. Diaries can help with the understanding
of why something happened, not only in documenting that it did happen.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What is the major difference between diaries in general and time diaries?
2. What bias often present in survey responses do diaries sometimes eliminate?