Visual methods have long been mobilised in the social sciences, but they are still under-represented compared to more traditional methods. This is regrettable as visual-elicitation in particular can break taken-for-granted understanding and stimulate reflexivity, delivering a deeper and different knowledge.
We focus on a particular strand of visual-elicitation, participant-generated photo/object elicitation. This method of in-depth interviewing relies on participants talking about photographs they have taken or objects they have selected themselves. Besides the advantages mentioned above, the method therefore empowers participants to talk about what is important to them.
On 15 January from 10:30-14:00, we: (1) present insights on how the method has been used in the social sciences (2) give an account on how we mobilised it across three research studies, including practical advice regarding analysis; (3) invite you to interact in group discussion in order to explore how the method can be used to answer your own research questions. You will develop a critical understanding of the benefits and challenges posed by photo/object-elicitation and will be able to adapt it creatively to your own needs.
Dr Adriana Mihaela Soaita is a Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow. She has published widely on housing and home and used photo-elicitation on two recent projects. Ms April Shaw is a PhD student at the University of Glasgow. Her thesis titled “Older Female Drug Users – Negotiating Identities through Drug Use, Treatment, Recovery and Beyond” used object-elicitation.