Every picture tells a story: Combining interpretative phenomenological analysis with visual research

Abstract

This article will present a methodological critique of the research process which combines participant-generated imagery with interpretative phenomenological analysis. This critique is based upon a research study which aimed to understand how social work practitioners experience their transition into first-line management. This study was particularly concerned with understanding feelings associated with role transitions within social work, as it is an under-researched area of practice. The data (verbal and visual) collected from the study was analysed using an adaptation of the interpretative phenomenological analysis’s six-stage process. A rationale is provided to illustrate the synergy between the underlying principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis as a research methodology and the social work profession, together with the need to adopt a nuanced and innovative approach through the utilisation of visual research methodology. Limitations and possibilities associated with combining these two research approaches will be illustrated through a series of examples from the study. It will conclude that the synergy of research approaches contributes to a deeper understanding of lived experience.