Presenters: Cindy Jardine (University of Alberta) and Rhonda M. Johnson (University of Alaska Anchorage)

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this interactive workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the benefits and challenges of using visual research methods in community based participatory research
• Plan and execute participatory research using PhotoVoice and/or Participatory Video methods, including:
  • Conceptualizing the problem and establishing goals and objectives
  • Recruiting participants
  • Training participants
  • Generating meaning
  • Knowledge translation and dissemination
  • Evaluation
  • Ethical considerations

Description:

Visual research methods, such as PhotoVoice and Participatory Video, are becoming increasingly popular as an effective means of conducting participatory research.  PhotoVoice is a powerful participatory action research method where individuals are given an opportunity to take photographs, discuss them individually and/or collectively, and use them to create opportunities for personal and/or community change.  Participatory Video is a similar process that involves community members in shaping and creating their own film to explore issues and/or voice concerns. These methods are not only more appealing and interesting for all research partners, they also allow community members to be true ‘co-researchers’ and creators of knowledge.  Visual research methods are also very effective for engaging both communities and policy makers in productive discussions about issues of concern, and thus providing a platform for effecting change.

This interactive workshop will help participants understand the benefits and challenges of using PhotoVoice and Participatory Video methods as part of CBPR.  The process of planning and conducting research using these methods will be outlined.  Examples will be drawn from the workshop leaders’ research and the research of others.  Workshop participants are encouraged to bring potential ideas for using these methods in their own research that can be used as a focus for discussion.

NOTE: This workshop can be taken alone or in conjunction with the CBPR Overview workshop.