Group metaphor map making: Application to integrated arts-based focus groups

Abstract

Arts-based research methods offer social scientists a rich collection of techniques for engaging participants often excluded from more traditional forms of research. The methods, which include techniques such as drawing, poetry, photography, painting, and dance, aid participants in accessing and communicating the deep, perhaps unconscious meaning of their experiences. While these outcomes are ideal for contextualizing experiences, greater guidance on the use of arts-based research methods is needed. Although the arts can be used alone in the elicitation of data, they can also be used in integrative ways—combined with methods such as narrative interviewing. Social scientists utilize arts-based methods in data gathering, analysis, and presentation. This article describes the implementation of arts-based focus groups with African American and White adolescents as they collectively drew metaphor maps exploring positive and negative community factors affecting their emotional health and stress. Using a series of guided steps, youth collaborated in drawing, collectively discussed, and individually ranked the factors they feel most affect their emotional well-being, to contextualize their maps. We present the data collection method and computer-assisted transcription process utilizing NVivo software. We share the youth’s perspectives of the group metaphor map making process and outcomes as evidence of its value. The method addresses key challenges to engaging diverse underrepresented groups in research, makes accessible information not discussed in typical focus groups, and uses aesthetic ways of knowing to raise awareness of youth’s lived experiences. Limitations and considerations for replicating the metaphor map method are also discussed.