Creative approaches to new media research

Abstract

Purpose

This paper provides illustrations of more creative ways of encouraging adolescents to recount their consumption experiences, specifically relating to internet use.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted “in school”, amongst 14‐17 adolescents in Scotland. The paper discusses initial quantitative methods using self‐completion questionnaires and diaries before exploring in greater detail two projective techniques used in subsequent qualitative sessions: “auto‐driving photoelicitation” and then “psycho‐drawings”.

Findings

The paper focuses primarily on methodological issues although it does provide a brief summary of the thematic interests influencing young people’s new media use and barriers inhibiting more enthusiastic use.

Originality/value

Too much youth research is undertaken with insufficient consideration of how best to involve young people. This paper describes how innovative research methods can help young people more fully recount their consumption experiences.

Citation

Grant, I. (2006), "Creative approaches to new media research", Young Consumers, Vol. 7 No. 3, pp. 51-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/17473610610705372