ABSTRACT
In research methodology, the terms ‘diaries’, ‘journals’ and ‘logs’ are used to describe data collection tools in which participants record their own thoughts and behaviours related to a research topic. The chapter uses the term ‘diary methods’ as the umbrella term to capture the range of data collection tools available to researchers within this format. It argues that diary methods represent a powerful, yet underutilized, data collection method to tap directly into participants’ everyday language practices and thoughts, which are otherwise difficult to capture. Borrowing from the psychological research methods literature, the chapter delineates the recommended future uses of diary methods in applied linguistics research to extend use of the method beyond current narrative and reflective practices.
