Help or Hindrance? Participant Diaries as a Qualitative Data Collection Tool

Qualitative research is typically perceived as a lengthy and resource intensive endeavour that can provide rich and insightful data. Over the years there has appeared a growing body of literature that either describes 'alternative' qualitative data collection tools or new applications of existing techniques. An example of one such tool is the research participant diary. Whilst applied in a number of fields to good effect the authors of this paper outline how it has been applied in the unique research context of the New Zealand dairy industry - and in particular with farmers operating small or medium enterprises. The utilisation of research participant diaries as a data collection tool is described, and advantages and disadvantages of the method are discussed.