Cultivating reflexive research practice when using participants’ photographs as research data

Carly Guest*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This chapter reflects on a study exploring the development of a feminist consciousness. During the interviews participants were invited to share photographs that were significant to their feminist becoming. Various ethical and methodological challenges arose in analysing these visual data in relation to the ethics of interpretation and dissemination of participants’ personal photographs. Both issues were highlighted and addressed through reflexive research practice, which exposed how the researcher’s reaction to and feelings about the photographs impacted upon how they were interpreted and shared. Reflexivity demands that researchers interrogate their research choices and is essential for ethical and rigorous research. This chapter argues that visual methods, whilst posing new ethical challenges, can enhance the reflexive research practice necessary for responding to and navigating them.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEthics and Visual Research Methods
Subtitle of host publicationTheory, Methodology, and Practice
PublisherPalgrave Macmillan
Pages75-87
Number of pages13
ISBN (Electronic)9781137543059
ISBN (Print)9781137548542
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2016
Externally publishedYes

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