Book Description

Diary Methods, sometimes known as intensive repeated measures or ecological assessments, are an important method for social and personality psychologists. The volume begins with a rationale for such methods, with an emphasis on social and personality psychology, and then provides a non-technical, accessible description of how to use such methods, including advice on study design, data analysis, and preparation of papers. Both interval contingent methods (e.g., daily diaries) and event contingent methods (e.g., social interaction diaries) are covered. The author, John B. Nezlek, has used these methods in his own scholarly work for over 30 years and has written this book to provide an introduction to these methods for those who are not familiar with them. This book will be perfect for advanced students and researchers in social and personality psychology and related disciplines who use and want to use diary methods in their research. The SAGE Library of Methods in Social and Personality Psychology is a new series of books launching in early 2011 to provide students and researchers with an understanding of the methods and techniques essential to conducting cutting-edge research. Each volume explains a specific topic and has been written by an active scholar (or scholars) with expertise in that particular methodological domain. Assuming no prior knowledge of the topic, the volumes are clear and accessible for all readers. In each volume, a topic is introduced, applications are discussed, and readers are led step by step through worked examples. In addition, advice about how to interpret and prepare results for publication are presented. The Library should be particularly valuable for advanced students and academics who want to know more about how to use research methods in social and personality psychology.