ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a framework for evaluating, describing, and comparing data collection strategies that we apply to the problem of measuring principal time use. The framework posits that our ability to validly measure principal time use depends greatly on the chosen measurement strategy which encompasses the data collection mode, the perspective of the person providing the evidence, and the way in which phenomena are sampled. The framework further posits that data validity, financial cost, and respondent burden are outcomes of the choice of measurement strategy. The framework is designed to help researchers assess the tradeoffs of using different measurement strategies. A potential use of the framework is to help researchers choose a strategy that maximizes the validity of measures of principal time use while minimizing financial costs and respondent burden. Our perspectives are informed by survey research methodology literature, empirical research, and our experience with measuring and studying principal time use. This experience includes multiple validation studies in which we assessed the validity of one time-use measurement method by comparing it to another. Our research program is distinctive in that we deployed an unusually broad range of measurement strategies which gave us insight into the relative strengths and weaknesses of different tools.
