Video and Voice

Kaye Haw and Mark Hadfield

RMF OxfordJuly 2012

Video and voice

• Video as medium is both a product and a process.

• Different video methods/methodologies are both a medium and a mode.

• Voice is essentially multi-modal.

Video modalities

• Modalities are the abstract, non-material resources of meaning making. Media, on the other hand, are the specific material forms in which modes are realized.

• Video methods and artefacts are the medium, video modalities are the abstract purposes, including meaning-making, to which these are put within research.

Traditional uses of video in research

• Straight data collection.

• Stimulating reflection and dialogue within the research process.

• A means of giving people a chance to voice their views.

• Dissemination.

• As an aid to participatory research.

Five Basic Video Modalities

1. Extraction - using video to record a specific interaction so that it can be studied in more depth by the researcher.

2. Reflection – video supports participants to reflect on their actions, understandings and constructions of specific situations.

3. Projection and provocation – video provokes participants to critically examine and challenge norms, traditions, and power structures.

Five Basic Video Modalities

4. Participation- the use of video to engage participants in a research project in ways that allows them to shape its focus and outcomes.

5. Articulation – video used to help participants voice their opinions and communicate.

Five Root Metaphors

1. Extraction Sports replay

2. Reflection Mirror

3. Projection and Conceptual art provocation

4. Participation Hosting a party

5. Articulation Pop record

The Crane Project:‘Seen but not Heard’

• A group of young people expressing their experiences of being excluded from school.

• Two modalities participation and provocation.

• Combining video production and a product to be shown back into their school.

Provocation in three parts

• Articulation - video provides reflexive space by being removed from immediacy.

• Representation - de-stabilisation by creating space for playfulness and irony.

• Reaction - can provide a context with an obligation to listen, and a persistence which makes it more difficult to dismiss.

Perceptions and Experiences of Full Body Searching

• Researching prisoners and prison officers experiences and perceptions of fully body searches.

• Two modalities projection and reflection.

• Video product developed to encourage involvement in focus groups.

Projection in three parts

• Articulation - disembodied layered voices forefront the everydayness of the taboo.

• Representation - anonymises and problematises the taboo by juxtaposition of views.

• Reaction - can provide a context where there is a choice in how react and at what level.

The potential and problems of video and voice

Potential - ‘Voice' is articulated in a number of forms and video allows for the use of a variety of visual means. Problem - Video consumption, particularly around aesthetic expectations, outstrips capacity for production.

Potential - ‘Voice' needs to be supported by critical literacy and video can juxtapose, pose arguments in a variety of visual and verbal forms. Problem - How to balance the need to provide support and training while maintaining a sense of ‘authenticity’.

The potential and problems of video and voice

Potential - ‘Voice’ needs to be linked to critical reflection and video production as a collaborative, creative and technical process provides opportunities for critical dialogue.Problem - Ownership can be extremely difficult to manage at certain points in the process.

Potential - 'Voice' is premised on an audience and video can be used with range, at different times and places. It can ‘stand alone’ or be used in combination of other inputs. Problem - Peoples’ experience of video is mainly expressive rather than persuasive. It requires a strong sense of audience about who is watching, what is persuasive, and who can be influenced.

References

Haw, K. and Hadfield, M. (2011) Video in Social Science Research; Functions and Forms: Routledge London and New York

Hadfield, M. and Haw, K. (Forthcoming) ‘Video: Methods, Modalities and Methodologies’ International Journal of research and Method in Education See Also:www.videoandvoice.co.ukEmail: Kaye.haw@nottingham.ac.ukMark.hadfield@wlv.ac.uk