Using Participant-Produced Drawings as an Alternative to Photographs in Ethnographic Research

In: Mazzetti , A 2020 , Using Participant-Produced Drawings as an Alternative to Photographs in Ethnographic Research . in S Dodd (ed.) , Ethics and Integrity in Visual Research Methods . vol. 5 , Advances in research ethics and integrity , Emerald Group Publishing Ltd.

Open Access

Abstract

In this chapter I explore the ethical challenge of preserving participant anonymity when using visual methods in ethnographic research. Referring to my own ethnographic study in post-conflict Northern Ireland, I explore the how social, cultural and political contexts may accentuate the need to preserve anonymity. discuss my rationale for opting not to use photographs in this context and put forward the case for using participant-produced drawings as an alternative to photographs. Drawings accomplish similar rich benefits as photographs but may ameliorate the ethical challenges inherent in photographic work of maintaining participant anonymity