The Day Experience Method: A Resource Kit

Abstract

The Day Experience Method was inspired by social and behavioural science methodologies including the Experience Sampling Method (Hektner et al, 2006, Intille et al, 2003), the Day Reconstruction Method (Kahneman et al, 2004) and work on Cultural Probes (Gaver et al, 1999, Arnold, 2004). These methods are all useful ways of providing a detailed view of people’s daily lives. We successfully adapted the methods for use on the Learning Landscape Project at the University of Cambridge during Easter and Michaelmas terms, 2007. The method is attempts to reduce recall distortion and the ideological biases of other sampling methods such as interviews, surveys and focus groups. It can record temporal and situational information in qualitative and quantitative detail, and may be extended to a longer period if needed. This Resource Kit focuses on the practicalities of the method, and offers useful tips and hints to anyone who is interested in using it in their own setting. It is particularly suited to those who wish to use a novel qualitative method to examine every day life situations.