Is it research or just walking? Framing walking research methods as "non-scientific". Issue 114 (August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kowalewski, Maciej; Bartłomiejski, Robert
• Is Part Of: Geoforum. Issue 114(2020)
• Page Start: 59
• Page End: 65
• Publication Date: 2020-08
• Subjects: Walking -- Urban -- Research walking -- Research methods -- Descientification; Geography -- Periodicals; Human geography -- Periodicals; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Sciences de la terre -- Périodiques; Géographie -- Périodiques; Géographie humaine -- Périodiques; Aménagement du territoire -- Périodiques; Earth sciences; Geography; Human geography; Regional planning; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 304.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.geoforum.2020.06.002
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-7185

Abstract

Highlights: Walking research methods despite their merits are exposed to descientification. WRMs are framed as 'non-scientific' with method misuse by (1) researchers. (2) By participants, who may not accept the scientific purpose of the walk. (3) By public authorities, that are interested to answer non-scientific questions. Abstract: The article explores problem of exposing walking research methods (WRMs) to misuse, criticism and framing as "non-scientific". According to authors, WRMs are framed as "non-scientific": (1) by researchers and their rigorous top-down approach, (2) by research participants and their lack of interest in providing quantitative indicators, (3) by public authorities as they are can be interested in simple answers to non-scientific questions. The problem of misuses and framing of the WRMs as "non-scientific" is discussed by referring to two examples: using WRMs to support art projects and local fieldwork activities and adapting WRMs as a diagnostic tool for the local policy projects such as the development of strategies for urban development, pedestrian policy-making, and urban renewal projects.