Challenging Universal Criteria for Qualitative Quality: Specific Considerations for Engaging in Visual Research Methods

• In Event: Sunday Roundtable Session 1:15 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Ethical Challenges and Opportunities in Qualitative Research (Table 18)

Abstract

In 2010 Tracy published Qualitative Quality: Eight “Big-Tent” Criteria for Excellent Qualitative Research “delineating eight universal hallmarks for high quality qualitative methods across paradigms” (p.837). We find these “big-tent” hallmarks insufficient guidelines for both novice and experienced researchers who employ visual research methods. The time is ripe to create updated considerations to help a new generation of qualitative researchers who are open to expanded ideas about what counts as data; those who depend on critical and decolonial epistemologies. We propose considerations for scholars leveraging visual-based research that are decidedly not universal. The ideas we share should not be understood as hallmarks or criteria of excellence but rather as prompts for question asking, conversations, and reflections.

Authors

• Marva Cappello, San Diego State University

• Reka C. Barton, University of Maryland