Making the Invisible Visible: Affordances and Hindrances of Using Tangible Objects in Identity Research

Authors

Amber Simpson, Binghamton University--SUNYFollow

Abstract

The purpose of this manuscript is to highlight the role of tangible objects (i.e., rings) in understanding individual’s STEM identity, which in this study is defined as an interdisciplinary belief that an individual has about her or himself regarding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The rings allowed participants to position themselves within STEM disciplines and to further illustrate and narrate this position through the various ring sizes, and for some, the spatial arrangement of the rings. However, the use of the rings seemed to limit participants to describing who they are within STEM in the moment, as well as not providing an opportunity to illustrate how micro- and macro-level external forces shaped their identity.

Keywords

Identity, Narrative Inquiry, STEM, Tangible Objects

Author Bio(s)

Amber Simpson is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY. Her main topic of concern is the low number of individuals from traditionally underrepresented groups entering and persisting in pathways toward STEM careers. She conducts research on understanding the interplay of voices shaping and embodying individual’s STEM identity, as well understanding the role of making in formal and informal educational settings. Correspondence regarding this article can be addressed directly to: asimpson@binghamton.edu.

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank my dissertation committee at Clemson University, Dr. Megan Che, Dr. Cassie Quigley, Dr. Nicole Bannister, Dr. Diane Perpich, and Dr. William Bridges. I would also like to thank Dr. Adam Maltese at Indiana University for his guidance and support in my research on STEM identity.

Publication Date

12-8-2018

Creative Commons License

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

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2018.3621

Recommended APA Citation

Simpson, A. (2018). Making the Invisible Visible: Affordances and Hindrances of Using Tangible Objects in Identity Research. The Qualitative Report, 23(12), 2973-2988. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2018.3621