Adapting Qualitative Methods during the COVID-19 Era: Factors to Consider for Successful Use of Online Photovoice

Authors

Nadia Rania, University of GenoaFollow
Ilaria Coppola, University of GenoaFollow
Laura Pinna, University of GenoaFollow

Abstract

The pandemic has led researchers to adapt their research methods to the social distance imposed to combat COVID-19. Technology created many difficulties in reaching certain population targets, however it was often the only way during the lockdown to do more research. Both quantitative and qualitative researchers made use of remote data collection methods that allowed researchers to mitigate the challenges of physical distancing and improve the researchers' toolbox. This paper aims to highlight the factors to consider for successful use of online Photovoice. The participatory action research project involved 130 young adults who took part in a Photovoice online activity with the theme "Living with COVID-19: practical and emotional aspects". We present analysis of the online Photovoice process, giving voice to the participants; they reflected on the proposed technique, through individual reflective practices and they have highlighted the relevant group dynamics with a group reflection. The data collected were analyzed, on the basis of grounded theory, with NVivo 12 software. Functional factors and factors to considerer for a successful use of on-line Photovoice are discussed. This project has allowed the creation of new social networks, a space for reflection and activation for individual and community empowerment.

Keywords

online Photovoice, young adults, reflective practices, empowerment

Author Bio(s)

Nadia Rania is an Assistant Professor of Social Psychology at the University of Genoa, PhD in Research Methods in Human Sciences and Family Mediator. She teaches Psychology of Groups and Community and Methods and techniques of group intervention. Furthermore, she is coordinator of the PhD in Migration and Intercultural Processes. Her main research topics are use of qualitative methods (diaries, interviews, Photovoice) in different groups and different contexts of research; family relationships; immigration and acculturation processes; well-being and quality of life. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: nadia.rania@unige.it.

Ilaria Coppola is a PhD student in Migrations and intercultural processes at the University of Genoa. She is a Psychologist. Her research interests are aimed at migration process and psychosocial well-being. in particular, she is focused on migrant families, foreign inmates, the development of intercultural competence and the social services involved in the reception process.

Laura Pinna is a PhD student in Migrations and intercultural processes at the University of Genoa. She is a Social Worker and her field of training and research concerns migration processes, unaccompanied migrant minors and young offenders, promotion and education of legality culture. She works as a Civil Servant of Social Service in the Juvenile Justice Department in Cagliari (Italy) and deals with probation activities, in particular regarding unaccompanied migrant minors and young offenders on behalf of the Juvenile Court.

Acknowledgements

We thank the participants who have voluntarily joined the research

Publication Date

8-26-2021

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 International License.

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4863

Recommended APA Citation

Rania, N., Coppola, I., & Pinna, L. (2021). Adapting Qualitative Methods during the COVID-19 Era: Factors to Consider for Successful Use of Online Photovoice. The Qualitative Report, 26(8), 2711-2729. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2021.4863

ORCID ID

0000-0001-5952-8094