Playing with meaning: using cartoons to disseminate research findings

Abstract

Cartoons are a ubiquitous form of visual communication. Yet they are often overlooked in methodological debates about dissemination. In this article, the potential of cartoons as a vehicle for processing and transmitting qualitative research findings is explored and some methodological advantages and concerns of using cartoons in this way are outlined. Discussion stems from a small-scale, experimental 'knowledge transfer' project located within a larger qualitative study about higher functioning men and women with dementia who campaign for social change. It concludes that cartooning can bring to life in a playful way serious issues, but as form of visual communication, cartoons are not for everyone, and must therefore be used judiciously to disseminate research findings.

Increasingly mobile: How new technologies can enhance qualitative research

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Using Comic-Style Posters for Engaging Participants and for Promoting Researcher Reflexivity

“…Indeed, because comics are associated with exaggeration, parody, and caricature, the fact that some drawings were irreverent to powers that be was unproblematic. Through the judicious use of humor, comics, and cartoons can thus be powerful means to challenge social norms, by illustrating and opening a debate about sensitive topics (Bartlett, 2013).…”

“…As a result, images-especially photographs-have become an important tool with which to communicate science (Rodríguez Estrada & Davis, 2014). It is noticeable that while drawn images such as cartoons and comics are a popular form of visual communication, they are often overlooked as a medium to disseminate research findings (Bartlett, 2013).…”

Valuing Arts-based Academic Projects in a Faculty of Nursing: Experiences of Graduate Students and Supervisors

“…The translation of health research findings is defined in the Canadian context as a "dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system" (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 2016). Arts-based methods to translate health research findings have made research more accessible, and more accessible to a broader audience, compared with academic text-based methods (Bartlett, 2013;Boydell et al, 2012). Arts-based knowledge translation has the potential to make complex ideas accessible that otherwise would be difficult to convey with words (Archibald, Caine, & Scott, 2014;Colantonio et al, 2008;Frank, 2004;Rieger & Schultz, 2014).…”