Practical Guidance and Ethical Considerations for Studies Using Photo-Elicitation Interviews

Abstract

Photo-elicitation is a qualitative interviewing technique that has gained popularity in recent years. It is the foundation for photovoice projects and is a tool well-suited for community-based participatory research. Photo-elicitation yields rich data, and interview participants say these interviews encourage community awareness and engagement. This article draws on 9 studies, conducted by researchers at 3 institutions (the University of Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth) in partnership with community-based organizations and students, in which 303 participants completed photo-elicitation interviews. We offer 8 practical suggestions for overcoming challenges encountered during photo-elicitation research and for managing ethical concerns about the use of visual data in public health research. Our guidelines can inform study design, protocol development, and institutional review board approval.

Family members´ experiences of the end-of-life care environments in acute care settings – a photo-elicitation study

“…The data collection approach, also referred to as “photo-elicitation” or “photovoice”, terms often used interchangeably, was first described in 1997 as a form of community-based participatory research used to address health and social justice issues by engaging participants in the research process as active documentarians, commentators, and agents of social and political change (Catalani & Minkler, 2010). It has been found useful in exploring issues that may be difficult to verbalize (Balmer, Griffiths, & Dunn, 2015), especially among vulnerable populations (Bugos et al, 2014), and when studying palliative and EoL care (anonymized reference, Moore, Carter, Hunt, & Sheikh, 2013)). This project has been approved by the Regional Ethical Review Board in Stockholm (Dnr Ö 29–2012).…”

Shining light inside the tunnel: using photovoice as a strategy to define the needs for health promotion among families of low socioeconomic status

“…The transcripts of the individual interviews and the focus group session were used by the researcher to clearly describe the photographs and comments for each of the themes. By way of confirmation, the themes, photographs and comments for this exhibition were member-checked by the participants (Bugos et al, 2014). …”

Neighbourhood social inclusion from the perspective of people with intellectual disabilities: Relevant themes identified with the use of photovoice

“…During this stage, the first author-in some cases together with a research assistant-tried to facilitate an environment where participants felt safe (e.g., Bugos et al, 2014). During this stage, the first author-in some cases together with a research assistant-tried to facilitate an environment where participants felt safe (e.g., Bugos et al, 2014).…”

“…To limit the influence of staff member or peers, with each of the 17 participants an individual interview was conducted. During this stage, the first author-in some cases together with a research assistant-tried to facilitate an environment where participants felt safe (e.g., Bugos et al, 2014). In most cases, participants were interviewed in their own apartment or room.…”