Diary as a Data Collection Technique in Qualitative Research: Definition, Contribution, and Practical Examples

Abstract

Diaries are frequently used as a data collection technique in qualitative research. They go by many names, such as researcher diary, reflective diary, reflexive diary, and process diary. Diaries are sometimes used to support data obtained through other techniques or as independent data sources. However, few studies provide guidance on how diaries should be kept and how the resulting data should be processed. To address this gap and minimize common mistakes or omissions in qualitative manuscripts, this study first offers theoretical information about the diary technique, followed by ideal diary samples and examples of data processing. This study aims to contribute to the scientific knowledge base on diary usage and to guide qualitative researchers through related processes.

Keywords

• Diary
• reflection
• reflexivity
• qualitative research methods
• data collection technique

Nitel Araştırmalarda Bir Veri Toplama Tekniği Olarak Günlük: Tanım, Katkı ve Uygulama Örnekleri

Abstract

Günlükler nitel araştırma yöntemleriyle gerçekleştirilen araştırmalarda sıkça kullanılan bir tekniktir. Araştırmacı günlüğü, yansıtmalı günlük, düşünümsel günlük, süreç günlüğü gibi birçok isimle anılmaktadır. Günlükler kimi zaman diğer araştırma tekniklerinden elde edilen verileri desteklemek için kimi zaman ise veri kaynağı olarak kullanılmaktadır. Ancak araştırma günlüklerinin nasıl tutulması gerektiğine ve tutulan günlüklerin bulgulara nasıl işleneceğine ilişkin oldukça az çalışma bulunmaktadır. Bu sınırlılığın giderilmesi ve nitel araştırma raporlarında yapılan yaygın hataların veya eksiklerin en aza indirilmesi adına bu çalışmada öncelikle günlüklere ilişkin kuramsal bilgilere yer verilmiş, sonrasında ise ideal günlük örnekleri ve veri işleme örnekleri aktarılmıştır. Bu çalışmanın günlük tekniğine ilişkin bilimsel bilgi temelini geliştirileceği ve uygulama süreçlerinde nitel araştırmacılara yol gösterici olacağı düşünülmektedir.

Keywords

• Günlük
• yansıtma
• düşünümsellik
• nitel araştırma yöntemleri
• veri toplama tekniği.

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