Photolanguage

Abstract

This section includes shorter papers (e.g., 10-15 double-spaced manuscript pages or less) describing methods and techniques that can improve evaluation practice. Method notes may include reports of new evaluation tools, products, and/or services that are useful for practicing evaluators. Alternatively, they may describe new uses of existing tools. Also appropriate for this section are user-friendly guidelines for the proper use of conventional tools and methods, particularly for those that are commonly misused in practice.Abstract: Program evaluators need methods that can be used in a variety of situations to help gather data. Photolanguage is one such technique that uses black-and-white photographs to elicit responses from individuals. It is particularly useful in situations where the respondents may give restricted or only minimal data. This article provides 1the step-by-step process for implementation of Photolanguage, explores the possibility of uses for Photolanguage as a tool for smallgroup evaluation, and supplies data showing its benefits as a method of evaluation.

Using the Associative Imagery Technique in Qualitative Health Research

“…Since then, researchers have utilized this method with a variety of populations including adolescents with cognitive challenges, students, low-literacy populations, and general adults (see a review by Bessell et al). Researchers have used this method in diverse cultural settings such as Australia, the Philippines, the United States, and so forth (Akeret, 2001;Bessell et al). Recently, the photolanguage process has been used as a tool for programmatic evaluations (Bessell et al;White, Sasser, Bogren, & Morgan, 2009) Although black-and-white images are mostly used in clinical psychology and program evaluations, color images are widely used in marketing (Hofstede, Hoof, Walenberg, & Jong, 2007) and health communication research (Houts, Doak, Doak, & Loscalzo, 2006).…”

“…Researchers have used this method in diverse cultural settings such as Australia, the Philippines, the United States, and so forth (Akeret, 2001;Bessell et al). Recently, the photolanguage process has been used as a tool for programmatic evaluations (Bessell et al;White, Sasser, Bogren, & Morgan, 2009) Although black-and-white images are mostly used in clinical psychology and program evaluations, color images are widely used in marketing (Hofstede, Hoof, Walenberg, & Jong, 2007) and health communication research (Houts, Doak, Doak, & Loscalzo, 2006). Educational researchers have found that color photographs facilitate viewers' comprehension (Readence & Moore, 1981).…”

“…Second, given that our target population was multiethnic and multilingual with a range of literacy levels, picture-based activities were appealing because pictures are better at transcending linguistic and literacy boundaries. Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of picture-based techniques with low-literacy and low-status populations (e.g., the homeless; Bessell et al, 2007).…”

“…Based on projective techniques, a more specific method, the photolanguage process, was developed in the 1960s for use during counseling and therapy (Bessell, Deese, & Medina, 2007). A research team in France used black-and-white photos to promote verbal communication among teens who had trouble expressing themselves (Vacheret, 2005).…”

“…After a careful review and synthesis of previous literature, we defined the associative imagery technique as follows: a qualitative data generation method that uses carefully selected color images to enable participants to associatively and/or metaphorically organize their thoughts to reenact abstract concepts. Specifically, we intended to use the associative imagery technique to elicit respondents’ emotions, stimulate their memory, promote their imagination, and facilitate communication and interactions in small groups (Bessell et al, 2007; Bystedt et al, 2003; White et al, 2009). Respondents were expected to link images, metaphorically or associatively, to their memories and emotions.…”