Is this Good Enough? A Novice Researcher’s Interpretive Journey to a Meaningful Visual Representation
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
12-1-2021 10:45 AM
End Date
12-1-2021 11:05 AM
Abstract
Data visualization is a powerful analytic tool that enables the qualitative researcher to explore and interpret the complexities of human experience, and present findings in a way that is meaningful and more easily understood by others. The construction of a visual representations can greatly enhance the interpretive process, and the wide availability of graphic and photo technologies make these methods accessible to researchers with little or no previous artistic experience. Constructing effective visuals to capture the complexities of human experience, however, is not always easy, particularly for novice researchers and graduate students. This session will explore one doctoral student’s journey to exploring various artistic mediums and methods of visual interpretation for his dissertation research. During this session, a novice researcher will reflect on the evolution of a powerful visual construct that adequately captures the essence of caring for a child with a severe disability from the perspective of parents. Specific examples illustrating the visual construction process and the inner struggles of a developing researcher will be presented. An experienced researcher and dissertation advisor will add insights and reflections on effectively teaching visual construction to novice qualitative researchers. Pitfalls and barriers to effectively utilizing this method will be explored, and the audience will have opportunity to ask questions and share their own thoughts and experiences.
Keywords
Interpretive Methods, Constructivism, Visual Methods
ORCID ID
0000-0003-1355-3117
Is this Good Enough? A Novice Researcher’s Interpretive Journey to a Meaningful Visual Representation
Data visualization is a powerful analytic tool that enables the qualitative researcher to explore and interpret the complexities of human experience, and present findings in a way that is meaningful and more easily understood by others. The construction of a visual representations can greatly enhance the interpretive process, and the wide availability of graphic and photo technologies make these methods accessible to researchers with little or no previous artistic experience. Constructing effective visuals to capture the complexities of human experience, however, is not always easy, particularly for novice researchers and graduate students. This session will explore one doctoral student’s journey to exploring various artistic mediums and methods of visual interpretation for his dissertation research. During this session, a novice researcher will reflect on the evolution of a powerful visual construct that adequately captures the essence of caring for a child with a severe disability from the perspective of parents. Specific examples illustrating the visual construction process and the inner struggles of a developing researcher will be presented. An experienced researcher and dissertation advisor will add insights and reflections on effectively teaching visual construction to novice qualitative researchers. Pitfalls and barriers to effectively utilizing this method will be explored, and the audience will have opportunity to ask questions and share their own thoughts and experiences.