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‘Amusing and Fun’, ‘Arresting’, or ‘The Wrong Pictures’? Methodological Lessons from Using Photo-Elicitation in a Study of Academic Retirement

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  • Graham Crow

Abstract

This article reports on the use of photo-elicitation in a mixed methods study of academics’ later careers and retirement. Interviewees, who were either in their later career stage or retired from university work, were asked during the interviews to discuss the resonance that pre-selected images had with their understanding of retirement. Despite reluctance on some participants’ part to engage with the images, the majority took the opportunity to elaborate on themes of time, purpose, trajectories, hopes, and fears, rejecting images that they considered stereotypically negative. The argument is made that photo-elicitation’s pioneers have served subsequent users of the method well by being candid about its challenges as well as its potential and by encouraging creativity and flexibility in its application rather than presenting a set way to proceed. Because research does not always go according to plan, photo-elicitation’s potential for creative and flexible use recommends it to both novice and established practitioners, possibly as a complement to other methods in mixed methods projects.

Suggested Citation

  • Graham Crow, 2024. "‘Amusing and Fun’, ‘Arresting’, or ‘The Wrong Pictures’? Methodological Lessons from Using Photo-Elicitation in a Study of Academic Retirement," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 29(1), pages 3-22, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:sae:socres:v:29:y:2024:i:1:p:3-22
    DOI: 10.1177/13607804221133117
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rose Wiles & Amanda Coffey & Judy Robison & Jon Prosser, 2012. "Ethical Regulation and Visual Methods: Making Visual Research Impossible or Developing Good Practice?," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 17(1), pages 3-12, February.
    2. Victoria D. Alexander, 2013. "Views of the Neighbourhood: A Photo-Elicitation Study of the Built Environment," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 18(1), pages 1-26, February.
    3. Julia Bennett, 2014. "Researching the Intangible: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study of the Everyday Practices of Belonging," Sociological Research Online, , vol. 19(1), pages 67-77, February.
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