Exploring the methods of autophotography and photointerviews: children taking pictures of science and technology.

Abstract

In this paper we discuss the methods of auto-photography and photo-interviews. The benefits and disadvantages of using these methods with young children are examined in relation to a photographic study we conducted in a rural two-teacher primary school (years 1-8) to explore children's perceptions of science and technology (Moreland & Cowie, 2004). Combined, the photographs and the photo-interviews provided a unique insight into children's thinking about science and technology. They proved useful for accessing different viewpoints, as children took photographs at school, at home and in their communities. As methods, auto-photography and photo-interviews newly exposed the issues and challenges inherent in qualitative research, especially the need for the research process and the researcher to be open to the unexpected and surprising.