Using visual research methods to study occupations: A scoping review
Background Visual research methods (VRMs), including photovoice, photo-elicitation, drawing, collaging, and videography, are increasingly employed in qualitative research exploring occupation. However, an in-depth analysis of these methods within occupational science (OS) and occupational therapy (O...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Taylor & Francis Group
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy |
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| Online Access: | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/11038128.2025.2519261 |
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| author | Urša Bratun Thomas Morgenthaler Ben D. Lee |
| author_facet | Urša Bratun Thomas Morgenthaler Ben D. Lee |
| author_sort | Urša Bratun |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Background Visual research methods (VRMs), including photovoice, photo-elicitation, drawing, collaging, and videography, are increasingly employed in qualitative research exploring occupation. However, an in-depth analysis of these methods within occupational science (OS) and occupational therapy (OT) is scarce.Objectives To summarize the literature on VRMs and critically analyze the use within OS and OT, with a particular focus on the methodological aspects of VRMs’ application.Materials and methods The six steps of the scoping review framework were followed. The extracted data were analyzed using summative content analysis.Findings Seventy-three articles were included in the analysis. VRMs were used with people of all age groups across all continents, with and without disabilities or health conditions. VRMs were used both independently and in combination with other research methods, most often within ethnographic or phenomenological methodological frameworks. Thematic analysis was the most frequent method of data analysis.Conclusions and significance The review provides insights into occupation-related topics and populations studied using VRMs and the methods of collecting and analyzing data from visual materials. VRMs can enhance occupation-focused participatory research. It is essential that researchers in OS and OT adhere to rigorous protocols and to clearly articulate the purpose of using VRMs. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-da722ed45798403db1219beff2aa40db |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1103-8128 1651-2014 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Taylor & Francis Group |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy |
| spelling | doaj-art-da722ed45798403db1219beff2aa40db2025-08-20T03:31:06ZengTaylor & Francis GroupScandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy1103-81281651-20142025-06-0132110.1080/11038128.2025.2519261Using visual research methods to study occupations: A scoping reviewUrša Bratun0Thomas Morgenthaler1Ben D. Lee2Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, SloveniaDepartment of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University College Cork, Cork, IrelandDepartment of Occupational Therapy, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USABackground Visual research methods (VRMs), including photovoice, photo-elicitation, drawing, collaging, and videography, are increasingly employed in qualitative research exploring occupation. However, an in-depth analysis of these methods within occupational science (OS) and occupational therapy (OT) is scarce.Objectives To summarize the literature on VRMs and critically analyze the use within OS and OT, with a particular focus on the methodological aspects of VRMs’ application.Materials and methods The six steps of the scoping review framework were followed. The extracted data were analyzed using summative content analysis.Findings Seventy-three articles were included in the analysis. VRMs were used with people of all age groups across all continents, with and without disabilities or health conditions. VRMs were used both independently and in combination with other research methods, most often within ethnographic or phenomenological methodological frameworks. Thematic analysis was the most frequent method of data analysis.Conclusions and significance The review provides insights into occupation-related topics and populations studied using VRMs and the methods of collecting and analyzing data from visual materials. VRMs can enhance occupation-focused participatory research. It is essential that researchers in OS and OT adhere to rigorous protocols and to clearly articulate the purpose of using VRMs.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/11038128.2025.2519261Allied health sciencecommunity-based participatory researchoccupational scienceoccupational therapyqualitative research |
| spellingShingle | Urša Bratun Thomas Morgenthaler Ben D. Lee Using visual research methods to study occupations: A scoping review Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy Allied health science community-based participatory research occupational science occupational therapy qualitative research |
| title | Using visual research methods to study occupations: A scoping review |
| title_full | Using visual research methods to study occupations: A scoping review |
| title_fullStr | Using visual research methods to study occupations: A scoping review |
| title_full_unstemmed | Using visual research methods to study occupations: A scoping review |
| title_short | Using visual research methods to study occupations: A scoping review |
| title_sort | using visual research methods to study occupations a scoping review |
| topic | Allied health science community-based participatory research occupational science occupational therapy qualitative research |
| url | https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/11038128.2025.2519261 |
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