author:   Kahneman, D., Krueger, A.B., Schkade, D., Schwarz, N. & Stone, A. A. (2004a).
pub. type:   Science (2006), 306: 1776-1780. 
web link:    n/a

abstract:    The Day Reconstruction Method (DRM) assesses how people spend their time and how they experience the various activities and settings of their lives, combining features of time-budget measurement and experience sampling. Participants systematically reconstruct their activities and experiences of the preceding day with procedures designed to reduce recall biases. The DRM's utility is shown by documenting close correspondences between the DRM reports of 909 employed women and established results from experience sampling. An analysis of the hedonic treadmill shows the DRM's potential for well-being research.

keywords:   QoL; health; neighbourhood; communities; social capital; SD; town planning; social inclusion
 
discipline:   Psychology, Economics
 
research methods:   Diary study recording people's activities the previous day. 

national/ international:    US

policy relevance:    By examining well-being as a function of daily activities the study highlights areas where well-being may be routinely compromised (e.g. commuting) and thus where policy makers may want to intervene.
 
policy suggestions / recommendations  

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