Visual Research Methods (CPT-40802)

Course schedule

Dates Start time End time Location Coordinator registrations
app/max		    
March 31, April 7, 16, 21 10:00 16:20 Wageningen campus Marcella Haan 0 / 20 Apply

Course description

Visual research methods are increasingly used in contemporary research. Visual research methods—such as using photography or video—are applied as the numerous obtained visual data can disclose aspects of (inter)action, document certain practices (through repeated observation) and further support multidisciplinary analysis. The selection of visual research methods is also more accessible by technological facilities, both hardware (e.g. mobile phones) and software, e.g. for editing and management.
The course departs from the notion that the academia are just recently disclosing the full potential of visual data and require capacity building and due reflection. In the social sciences a more awaiting and critical approach is prevailing, articulated in debates on ethical implications. As in all domains it is recognized that the assumed richness of visual data also confronts researchers with challenges in the process of documenting, analysing and interpreting of the visual data.
This course focuses on the potential and the qualities of visual data collection in research and will start with a review of the diversity of research strategies that incorporate visual data. Visual literacy and visual ethics will be positioned from an academic point of view to further legitimize obtaining and using visual data.

General information

Dates: Period 5-6, 4 days
Contact person logistics: Marcella Haan
Contact person content: Loes Witteveen, Rico Lie
Credits: 2 ECTS
Venue: Wageningen Campus

Lecturers

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:

  • Understand the various research methodologies that incorporate visual data
  • Collect and analyze primary and secondary visual data
  • Create primary visual data from a transdisciplinary perspective and understand the different and combined roles of researcher and photographer/filmmaker in VRM
  • Apply visual research ethics concerning procedures of privacy and portrayal
  • Design a visual research methodology suitable for their research project

The course combines interactive sessions and assignments concerning topics such as research design, ethics, representation in practice (portrayal), recording and analyzing films. Some basic visual production techniques will be trained in the context of scientific practice. Participants will gain familiarity with multimodal transcription, labelling and coding of observations and analyzing footage with respondents/peers.

This is a PhD course but is open to enrolment of MSc students.

Examination

Course participants deliver a final assignment of their choice, which emerged during or otherwise relates to the course content. It is recommended to link this assignment with ongoing research activities. Procedures followed to finalize this product will be discussed with participants individually and require approval by course staff. The final assignment has to be submitted for assessment within two months after the taught course. With an assessment of sufficient quality, the certificate of attendance will be issued.

Target group and min/max number of participants

The course is highly recommended for PhD candidates at the beginning of their PhD who want to incorporate visual research methodologies. Staff members and other researchers interested in visual research methods in general are welcome.

The maximum number of participants is set at 20, the minimum at 10.

Course fee

WGS PhDs with TSP

€ 220

a) All other PhD candidates b) Postdoc and staff of the above mentioned Graduate Schools

€ 480

All others

€ 700

Cancellation conditions

Participants can cancel their registration free of charge 1 month before the course starts. A cancellation fee of 100% applies if a participant cancels his/her registration less than 1 month prior to the start of the course.

The organisers have the right to cancel the course no later than one month before the planned course start date in the case that the number of registrations does not reach the minimum.

The participants will be notified of any changes at their e-mail addresses.