Using video to trace the embodied and material in a study of health practice
Abstract
Purpose
To explore the methodological implications of sociomaterial theory for qualitative research about practice. The purpose of this paper is to assess the potential and limitations of video stimulus to discussion about practice as embodied and material, and to theorise this in terms of epistemic objects.
Design/methodology/approach
A video based on a residential child and family service in Sydney was used as a stimulus in six focus group discussions with researchers and professionals in child and family health. Three focus groups were held in Sweden, and three in the British Isles, settings where a similar approach to supporting families with young children is established. A sociomaterial perspective, drawing on Schatzki's practice theory and Knorr Cetina's notion of epistemic objects informed the design and methodologically focused analysis.
Findings
The use of video is shown to be successful in facilitating and prompting participants to reflect and comment on practice as embodied and material. However, the analysis also accounts for more problematic nature of this approach, exploring the affective connections and illusion of totality that can be associated with video screenings. An alternative, based on line drawings, is suggested, and the paper concludes by raising further questions about data reduction and stimulus artefacts.
Originality/value
The turn to sociomaterial theory has huge potential, but its methodological implications remain unexplored. This paper contributes original perspectives relating to the use of video in a qualitative study, offering innovative theorisation and discussion of stimulus material as epistemic objects, which offers fresh insights into significant methodological prospects and problems.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Nick would like to thank: Teena Clerke for her fantastic research assistantship; the staff and families at the Residential Unit of Karitane in Carramar, Sydney for their generosity in the ethnographic project; and the researchers and practitioners at the University of Linköping (Sweden); researchers at the Centre for Parent and Child Support (UK); and practitioners in the services across the British Isles who participated in the video focus groups. Funding for this research was provided by the University of Technology, Sydney through its Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship and Early Career Researcher Grants schemes. Nick wishes to acknowledge the significant input of Alison Lee, who sadly passed away in September 2012.
Citation
Hopwood, N. (2014), "Using video to trace the embodied and material in a study of health practice", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 14 No. 2, pp. 197-211. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-01-2013-0003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2014, Emerald Group Publishing Limited