Research Design

• Project Steering Group
• Composition of the project panel
• Recruitment of the Panel
• Discussion groups and interviews
• Designing the diary
• Additional material
• Panel member evaluation
• Researcher commentary
• Lancaster Study Timeline
• Location of panel members

In designing the study we were influenced by the work of the Mass Observation movement which produced a kind of ‘anthropology of selves’. In this work Harrisson, Jennings & Madge recruited a national panel of diarists from 1939-1965 writing about everyday life; this work now constitutes an invaluable resource.

Because of the sensitivity of the post FMD situation, it was felt that a style of research which could both generate knowledge of health and social impacts and inform policies to address the potential consequences of these impacts, was ethically appropriate. The ‘participants’ in this study therefore included the members of the project steering group representing a wide range of stakeholders, as well as those who directly contributed diaries. All had regular opportunities to guide the research process and later comment on the emerging themes and findings.

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