Cartoon Elicitation: Can Drawings Facilitate Interviews on Sensitive Topics?

Researching sensitive topics poses multiple methodological and ethical challenges. To overcome these, this contribution proposes the method of cartoon elicitation, inspired by photo-elicitation and based on framing theory. The impersonality and satire of cartoons and the distance made between a sens...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of qualitative methods 2021-09, Vol.20
Main Authors: Figoureux, Marie, Van Gorp, Baldwin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cartoons
Case studies
Elicitation
Ethical dilemmas
Frame analysis
Life events
Memories
Methodological problems
Stigma
Topics
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Summary:Researching sensitive topics poses multiple methodological and ethical challenges. To overcome these, this contribution proposes the method of cartoon elicitation, inspired by photo-elicitation and based on framing theory. The impersonality and satire of cartoons and the distance made between a sensitive topic and real life events can diminish potential feelings of threat among respondents. The cartoons offered opportunities to (a) discuss potential stigmatising aspects of a sensitive topic; (b) trigger memories while empowering participants to decide what (not) to share with the researchers; and (c) stimulate rapport between researchers and participants. The contribution elaborately examines the used method in a case study where radicalisation was debated with persons who might be perceived as suspect within the larger community. It is discussed how this method is applicable to study a broad range of sensitive topics.
ISSN:1609-4069
1609-4069
DOI:10.1177/16094069211044916