Research Seminar: "Exploring Individuals’ Information Practices: The Photovoice Research Method". Dr. Lisa Given
Join us for a McGill School of Information Studies research seminar on visual research methods with guest speaker Dr. Lisa M. Given. Professor of Information Studies, Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education, Charles Sturt University, Australia.
Visual research methods, including photography and videorecordings, have become increasing popular across disciplines. In information science, health, education and other fields of research, academics are relying on visual techniques to supplement – or even to replace – traditional qualitative methods of exploration. The photovoice technique provides opportunities for researchers to engage with participants and research partners in new and interesting ways. This talk will explore the overall goals of the approach, with examples drawn from a research study designed to explore university students’ information activities as they engaged in their academic work. Issues related to research ethics, triangulation with other methods (e.g., interviews) and some of the practical decision-making involved in using photovoice will also be discussed.
Lisa M. Given, Ph.D., is Professor of Information Studies in the School of Information Studies (Faculty of Education) and the Research Institute for Professional Practice, Learning and Education, Charles Sturt University, Australia. Lisa is an Adjunct Professor in Humanities Computing and in Educational Policy Studies (University of Alberta) and also serves on the College of the Australian Research Council. A former Director of the International Institute for Qualitative Methodology, Lisa has received numerous research grants and awards and has published widely on topics related to individuals’ information behaviours and qualitative inquiry. Her research interests include the social construction of knowledge, web usability, spatial analysis, information literacy, research methods, and information issues in the context of higher education. Lisa is Editor of the 2-volume set, The Sage Encyclopedia of Qualitative Research Methods (2008).