Photovoice Data Analysis: Critical Approach, Phenomenological Approach, and Beyond

Abstract

Photovoice is a visual method that has attracted the attention of researchers in the field of education and social sciences in general. However, there are a number of methodological challenges in photovoice research and one of the challenges facing the researchers is the data analysis procedure. This article proposes a strategy for researchers to handle photovoice data analysis which consists of four stages, including a photograph analysis based on the researcher's interpretations, a photograph analysis based on the participants’ interpretations, a cross-comparison, and theorization. According to the strategy, researchers should analyze both visual data (participants’ voice) and narrative data (interview data) based on their perspectives as well as those of participants in attempt to generate a more credible visual and narrative explanation and theorization of the phenomenon.