Photographic Ethnography in Criminal Justice Research

• In Event: Lightning Talk: Advancing Criminological Research Through Innovative Methodologies

Abstract

Photographs have long been employed in social scientific research, though often as a supplemental source of data to support other primary sources. This talk examines the efficacy of using photography as a primary data or co-equal source in criminological research. Field research using photo essays can help draw the viewer into the phenomenon bringing out emotions and showing complex issues visually. This in turn makes the research more engaging for the viewer. The merits of this approach are evaluated and discussed.

Author

• Greg Warchol, Northern Michigan University