Time-Use Surveys

This chapter introduces readers to key aspects of the time-use survey methodology, which currently constitutes the “gold standard” for the measurement of time allocation in large populations. The chapter begins by outlining the advantages of the time-diary instrument over conventional questionnaire-based measurement approaches. An example of a typical time diary is provided, followed by a discussion of diary features across different study designs. The chapter also covers issues of time diary quality and provides guidance for researchers interested in primary time diary data collection as well as secondary analysis of existing large-scale time diary data. The final section provides suggestions of resources to further enhance understanding of the time-diary methodology.