Simmons, D R; Polmear, M; Bae, H and McCall, C (2022) Applying a new lens: Using photo elicitation in construction engineering management research. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 148(8): 04022074, ISSN 0733-9364
Abstract
Research in construction engineering and management (CEM) is increasingly examining the complex interactions among people and their environment. This work benefits from qualitative methodologies that center the intersection of participant experiences and the broader physical and sociocultural structures that shape those experiences. One such approach is photo elicitation (PE), the integration of photos in interviews. This paper provides a broad introduction to PE and related photo interviewing methods and discusses PE in the context of construction engineering management research. The use of PE is illustrated through the presentation of a case study that incorporated PE to explore the hazard identification skills of construction workers and their engagement with safety training. A process to employ PE in a research study is outlined, and limitations and benefits of PE in CEM research are presented. This paper highlights the value and distinguishing feature of PE relative to other interviewing techniques by showing how PE provides more robust information than words alone.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Index terms: | construction engineering, interaction, safety training, construction worker, case study, hazard identification, integration, methodology, construction engineering management, interview |
| Subjects: | behavioral psychology, occupational health and safety management, organizational analysis, financial risk, project management theory and practice, research methods, engineering methods, practitioner, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Engineering Principles, Project Management, Research Practice, Health and Safety, Cost Management, Roles and Professions, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here