Volume 2
Issue 1
A Mixed Methods Approach for Analyzing the Imagery of a Novel Science
Kelly Norris Martin
Though scientists and governments have realized the potential of nanoscience research, much of the public is still unfamiliar with nanoscience and current advancements. Scholars have found that one of the most persuasive powers of science is how it is visually portrayed to the public. However, among the few articles that examine the visual rhetoric of nano images, the images are described and interpreted but there is no comparison between these rhetorical evaluations and the results of qualitative audience reception studies. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how various types of nano images (as identified by Robinson’s image typology (2004): schematics, documentation, fantasy, and fine art) operate rhetorically to influence public perception. It used a mixed-method approach, combining critical rhetorical analysis and in-depth interviews to allow for a more complex analysis about the relationship between image and viewer. Findings suggest that images created by professional artists, or “fine art” images as defined by Robeson (2004) may be the most attractive types of images for lay viewer. This information may help scientists understand how the public’s knowledge and perception of nanoscience is shaped through nano imagery.
Making visible the invisible: using photovoice to explore the experiences of female multigenerational caring
Dr Caroline Moore*
Caregiving research appears to focus primarily on family caregivers of either older relatives, or of children and young people, in isolation to other caring roles. This paper reports on the use of photovoice in a study which explores the experiences of women caring for both older and younger relatives (multigenerational caregivers). Twenty multigenerational caregivers were recruited to take part in the study and photograph images they felt represented their everyday caring experiences (photovoice) which were discussed during in-depth interviews. Data collection followed the principles of constructivist grounded theory (Glaser and Strauss, 1967; Charmaz, 2006) and data analysis drew on grounded theory but used a modified form of analysis (Strauss and Corbin, 1998; Mills et al., 2006) in which the literature and photographs played a more prominent role. The photovoice method enabled the participants to identify situations, places and objects which they felt were significant to them and enriched the quality of their descriptions of every day caring experiences. Caregivers have often been referred to as being invisible due to their work being unrecognised and unacknowledged. By using the photovoice method invisible aspects of caregiving were made visible. The findings from the study reflect the interconnectedness of family life and have indicated that the exchange of support between the different generations is very strong. Maintaining Caregiver Equilibrium emerged as the core category and is crucial for multigenerational caregivers to function satisfactorily in their roles as caregivers, mothers, daughters, wives, partners, grandmothers and employees. Multigenerational caregivers are a valuable resource to British society and the needs of this type of caregiver may be different to the needs of those caregivers who are only caring for one generation. Health and social care professionals should recognise this and initiate support accordingly. Keywords: Multigenerational Caregivers, Informal care, Grounded Theory, Photovoice, Intergenerational Family Relationships
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