Artifact Elicitation as a Method of Qualitative Inquiry in Engineering Education

Abstract

Many qualitative research studies in engineering education use semi-structured interviews as an approach to inquiry. However, traditional semi-structured interviews do not always enable participants to answer questions in deep and meaningful ways. Recent research in engineering education has successfully drawn upon the inquiry method of photo elicitation, which uses photographs as interview prompts to elicit "thick description" from participants. Some studies have extended the methodology of photo elicitation to artifact elicitation, in which research participants are asked questions about artifacts (physical, virtual, etc.) that they have previously created and bring to the interview. Artifacts are similar to photos in that they embody the knowledge, skills, and attitudes held by the artifact creators. In this paper, we will provide examples of two current studies in engineering education that use artifact elicitation. Through these examples we demonstrate how artifact elicitation can elicit new meanings not possible through traditional interview techniques.

Making Leaders: Leadership Characteristics Of Makers And Engineers In The Maker Community

“…The study relied upon critical incident and artifact elicitation interviews (Douglas, Jordan, Lande, & Bumbaco, 2015) conducted with 40 adult Makers exhibiting at four flagship Maker Faires in the United States. Artifact elicitation interviews, based on the method of photo elicitation (Harper, 2002;Morley, Pawley, Jordan, & Adams, 2011), were conducted with the Makers in front of their exhibits.…”

Work in Progress: Understanding Ambiguity in Engineering Problem Solving

“…The interviews used a semi-structure approach in combination with artifact elicitation [27]. Artifact elicitation helps the interviewee clearly describe how they approached a certain problem or process.…”

How Can Maker Skills Fit in with Accreditation Demands for Undergraduate Engineering Programs?

“…Semi-structured artifact elicitation interviews, 16 based on the research method of photo elicitation, 17,18 were used to elicit "thick description" from participants. 19 Interviews were conducted in person with 76 Maker participant to examine the pathways related to engineering that had been followed toward the creation of the artifact on display.…”