Visual Methods for Qualitative Research with Older Refugees: Reflection on Strengths and Drawbacks

Authors

Prince Chiagozie Ekoh, University of CalgaryFollow
Christine A. Walsh, University of CalgaryFollow

Abstract

Although older refugees have similar characteristics and vulnerabilities as other populations that have benefited from visual research methods, there is scarce evidence of these methods being used for qualitative social work studies with older refugees. In this article, we discuss the application of visual methods for social work research with older refugees for a better understanding of their experiences and challenges, highlighting how it can be evocative, improve discussions by reaching senses that ordinary interviews cannot grasp, avoid re-traumatisation during research, and build resilience and coping in older refugees. We propose that visual methods could address power dynamics that privilege researchers over participants like older refugees, thus empowering and ensuring older refugees control research processes. This can be crystallised by using visual methods in participatory research. We also outline the drawbacks and concerns of using these methods for research with this population. We conclude by presenting a discourse on how visual methods can advance social work knowledge for practice and social change.

Keywords

social work, qualitative research, visual methods, older refugees

Author Bio(s)

Prince Chiagozie Ekoh, University of Nigeria, Nsukka and University of Calgary Please direct correspondence to princechiagozie.ekoh@unn.edu.ng

Christine A. Walsh is a professor at the University of Calgary. Please direct correspondence to cwash@ucalgary.ca

Publication Date

2-3-2024

Creative Commons License

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

DOI

10.46743/2160-3715/2024.6266

Recommended APA Citation

Ekoh, P. C., & Walsh, C. A. (2024). Visual Methods for Qualitative Research with Older Refugees: Reflection on Strengths and Drawbacks. The Qualitative Report, 29(2), 435-449. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2024.6266

ORCID ID

0000-0002-1787-536X