Visual Methodologies: Qualitative Researchers Mash, Assemble, and Make New Knowledge From Visual Data

• In Event: Roundtable Session 26
  In Roundtable Session: Considering the Applications of Visual Methodologies and Arts-Based Research

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the methodological and pedagogical implications of using visual data (videos and photographs) for engaging in qualitative research. The turn towards multimodal data in qualitative research has brought back visual images to the center of new approaches in qualitative research. The possibility of collecting image-based data can lead to methodological questions regarding ethics, the role of the researcher and camera, and analysis. At the same time, it opens up democratic possibilities and multiple interpretations. By paying close attention to the concept of reflexivity, which is an awareness of the researcher’s role in acquiring data, we share our experiences of using video and photographic data from two mini-cases.

Authors

• Raji Swaminathan, University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

• Thalia Mulvihill, Ball State University