Ways in which photographic and other images are used in research: An introductory overview

Abstract

Sociologists and anthropologists are increasingly interested in using visual techniques in their work as researchers. This article gives an introductory overview of this field and highlights developments taking place in terms of how the arts are actually being used. The article then moves on to think about what role there might be for art therapists to contribute to this developing field. Finally, the article goes on to look at potential tensions and benefits. This article is intended as the first of a two-part exploration of this subject. The second piece of writing will elucidate the application of these ideas to clinical practice in further depth.

Keywords:

• Art elicitation
• visual research methods
• visual sociology
• semiotics
• introduction to visual methods
• photo documentation