The Affordances and Challenges to Incorporating Visual Methods in Mixed Methods Research. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shannon-Baker, Peggy; Edwards, Cherie
• Other Names: Creamer Elizabeth guest-editor.; Schoonenboom Judith guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: American behavioral scientist. Volume 62:Number 7(2018)
• Page Start: 935
• Page End: 955
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: visual methods -- mixed methods research -- methodology; Social sciences -- Periodicals; Political science -- Periodicals; United States -- Social conditions -- Periodicals; United States -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; 300
• DOI: 10.1177/0002764218772671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-7642

Abstract

Mixed methods researchers are increasingly utilizing visual methods, including portraiture, symbolic drawing, and photo-elicitation. Such methods have been used to capture that which is not observable, communicate experiences that are difficult to verbalize, and promote participants' self-awareness. Challenges to this approach, however, include limited grounding in the literature, appropriate training, and ethical concerns. After establishing a typology for visual methods, we discuss these affordances and challenges to using this approach in mixed methods studies. We analyze three example studies that utilize different visual approaches to identify their unique and important contributions. We conclude with several key considerations for researchers.