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No. 156 Research · · 4 min

Diary Studies in Research: A Simple Guide

Chinonso Anyaehie Researcher · Author · Digital Lead

Olorunfemi, D. (2024). Diary studies in research: More than a research method. International Journal of Market Research, 66(4), 410–427. https://doi.org/10.1177/14707853231222139

Purpose of the Research

📌 What is this study about? This research explores diary studies as a powerful method in qualitative research, especially for tracking individual experiences over time. It investigates how diary studies:

  • Capture personal growth and decision-making processes
  • Encourage reflection and deeper learning
  • Improve research accuracy by reducing memory loss issues

📌 Why does it matter? Traditional methods like one-time interviews may miss details because people forget things over time. Diary studies allow participants to document their thoughts as they happen, making the data more accurate and insightful.

📌 Citation Olorunfemi, O. (2024). The Role of Diary Studies in Qualitative Process Research. International Journal of Market Research.

How the Research Was Conducted

📝 Step 1: Selecting Participants

  • Participants were new entrepreneurs in direct sales.
  • They were new to business (no prior entrepreneurial experience).
  • They were chosen to track how they learn and develop business skills over time.

📒 Step 2: Type of Diary Used

  • The study used structured digital diaries with pre-set questions.
  • Diaries were accessed through mobile-friendly forms using WordPress forms.
  • Participants could not edit past entries to maintain data integrity.

📌 What is WordPress?

  • WordPress is a popular content management system (CMS) that allows users to build and manage websites, including forms for data collection.
  • It offers a variety of plugins that make it easy to create and manage online forms for research purposes.

📌 Recommended WordPress Form

  • WPForms: User-friendly and allows conditional logic for structured questions.
  • Gravity Forms: Ideal for detailed survey entries and integrating with mobile devices.
  • Formidable Forms: Allows automation of entries and reminders.

📅 Step 3: Setting Up Diary Entries Participants used mobile-friendly forms to log experiences in two ways:

  • Event-based entries 📌 – Whenever something important happened in their business.
  • Time-based entries ⏳ – A summary of their experiences on the 1st of each month.

🛠 Step 4: Data Collection Tools

  • Researchers used WordPress forms for diary entry submissions.
  • A shortcut to the form was added to participants’ mobile home screens for easy access.
  • Automated SMS reminders were sent on the 1st of each month to prompt time-based entries.

📌 How to Add a Shortcut to Home Screen

  • For Android:
    1. Open the WordPress form in the mobile browser.
    2. Tap the three dots menu in the browser.
    3. Select “Add to Home Screen”.
    4. Rename the shortcut and tap Add.
  • For iPhone:
    1. Open the form in Safari.
    2. Tap the Share button (square with an arrow pointing up).
    3. Select “Add to Home Screen”.
    4. Rename it and tap Add.

📞 Step 5: Conducting Interviews

  • Before starting: Researchers explained how to use the diary tools.
  • After 6 months: Follow-up interviews were conducted to compare diary entries vs. memory recall.

📋 Step 6: Rules & Regulations

  • Confidentiality: All entries were anonymous and securely stored.
  • Data Integrity: Participants could not access or edit past entries.
  • Participation Commitment: Regular entries were required for inclusion in the study.
  • Ethical Approval: The study was reviewed and approved by a research ethics board.

🛠 Step 7: Data Collection & Analysis

  • Participants made 72 diary entries over 6 months.
  • Researchers analyzed patterns of learning and changes in business strategies.
  • Data was compared with interviews to test how diary studies improve research accuracy.

📌 Additional Recommended Steps

  • Use Incentives: Encourage regular participation with small rewards or certificates.
  • Provide Templates: Pre-filled sample entries can help participants understand what is expected.
  • Regular Feedback: Checking in monthly helps sustain engagement and improve responses.

Key Findings & Insights

🧠 Memory Fades, Diaries Don’t

  • When comparing diaries with interviews, participants forgot many key details in interviews.
  • This proves that real-time diary entries capture richer and more accurate data.

💡 Reflection Leads to Growth

  • Writing diaries helped participants think deeply about their decisions.
  • They discovered new strategies by looking back at their own experiences.

📊 Impact on Entrepreneurs

  • Diaries acted as a self-improvement tool for participants.
  • Some said it helped them overcome loneliness and made them feel like they had a “business coach.”
  • The process made them more goal-oriented and strategic in decision-making.

Why Diary Studies Work So Well

✅ Captures real-time thoughts 🕒 (avoids memory decay) ✅ Encourages self-reflection 💭 (helps participants learn from their own actions) ✅ Engages participants 🤝 (diary-writing felt beneficial, keeping them motivated) ✅ Provides richer data 📚 (compared to traditional interviews)

Step-by-Step Guide to Running a Diary Study

1️⃣ Choose the Right Participants – People involved in long-term processes like learning, decision-making, or personal growth. 2️⃣ Create User-Friendly Diary Tools – Use mobile forms or apps for easy logging. 3️⃣ Mix Diary Entry Types – Allow both event-based and time-based entries. 4️⃣ Send Reminders – Keep participants engaged with scheduled notifications. 5️⃣ Ensure Data Security – Store data confidentially and prevent past edits. 6️⃣ Conduct Follow-Up Interviews – Compare diary vs. memory recall. 7️⃣ Analyze Data for Insights – Look at patterns, reflections, and learning moments. 8️⃣ Incorporate Incentives – Encourage continued engagement with small rewards. 9️⃣ Provide a User Guide – Offer clear instructions to avoid confusion. 🔟 Facilitate Regular Feedback – Help participants refine entries over time.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Research Method

📌 Diary studies are not just a research tool—they help participants grow and learn. 📌 This method provides more reliable and engaging data collection. 📌 It should be used in entrepreneurship research and other fields where personal experiences matter.

Final Thought: If you want to capture how people think, learn, and grow over time, diary studies are the way to go! 📝✨