Methodological considerations and reflection on using online photo-elicitation techniques to explore students’ professional doctorate journey

ABSTRACT

In this methodological discussion, a critical and reflective account of the process and use of online photo-elicitation interviews is given. The role and importance of a well-structured pre-interview task are discussed with a working example aiming to capture physiotherapy students’ professional doctorate journey. It is argued that photo-elicitation techniques can increase active participation and enhance participants’ storytelling by encouraging the use of abstract thinking. This article also offers unique insights through the researcher’s reflective diary and direct quotes from the participants. Key considerations and practical recommendations are provided, such as the online application of photo-elicitation, the nature of the observed topic and working with and not alongside the pictures. Overall, this article is intended to further contribute to the literature on the evaluation and implementation of photo-elicitation techniques, especially in an online setting.

KEYWORDS:

• Photo-elicitation
• qualitative
• visual methodology
• reflection

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all the participants who participated in our research study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).