Using Object Elicitation Methods in Qualitative Interviews

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Using Object Elicitation Methods in Qualitative Interviews
By April Shaw PhD Candidate (a.shaw.2@research.gla.ac.uk); Supervisor: Dr Lucy Pickering
Introduction
Object-elicitation methods (OEM) are used in health-related (Solway et al,
2015; Willig, 2016) and recovery-based research (Romano et al, 2012).
The technique has the advantage of avoiding interviewer bias and
minimising socially preferred responses (Emmison and Smith, 2000). The
primary aims in utilising object-elicitation methods in this study of older
women in drugs recovery were:
To explore the meanings the women gave to their objects, anticipating a
richer and deeper understanding of the values they embraced as
recovering drug users.
To test the efficacy of OEM for further research.
Methods
During the recruitment process, the women were requested to: ‘Bring
along to the interview a material object that is meaningful to you (e.g.
postcard, pebble, scarf) – an object that you consider important to you.’
No criteria were placed on what the object should be or what it should
relate to. The objects were discussed early in the interview, following
drug history and demographic information.
Sample
Eight women with a history of illicit drug use
Self-identified in recovery
Ages 37 – 55 years (avg. 44yrs)
Conclusion
The objects chosen represented facets of the
women’s identities as they perceived them. They
offered hope for a better future and represented
inner-strength, self-acceptance and self-awareness.
The objects facilitated discussion, helped build
rapport and produced a rich source of data that
explored the women’s perceptions of their past,
current and future identities. OEM is a useful method
for generating unrehearsed, spontaneous reflections
on identity and recovery.
References
Emmison, M., & Smith, P. (2000). Researching the
visual: Images, objects, contexts and interactions in
social and cultural inquiry. London: SAGE
Romano, D., McCay, E., & Boydell, K. (2012). The
use of material objects in understanding the
process of recovery from a first episode of
schizophrenia. Arts & Health, 4(1), 70-82.
Solway, R., Camic, P. M., Thomson, L. J., &
Chatterjee, H. J. (2016). Material objects and
psychological theory: A conceptual literature
review. Arts & Health, 8(1), 82-101.
Willig, C. (2017). Reflections on the use of object
elicitation. Qualitative Psychology, 4(3), 211.
Findings
Seven women identified an object for the interviews and four were clear
from the start as to their choice. Three found it more difficult to and one
was unable to identify an object. The meanings the women gave to their
objects related to:
Connecting with their spiritual beliefs
Changes in self-perceptions and values
Potential and hope for the future
Forgiveness (of self and others)
Inspiration and aspiration for future goals
Discussing the meaning of the objects produced rich data on how the
women viewed themselves currently and in relation to their past and future
selves. For Pauline, Alison, Sarah and Marion their objects represent a
‘higher power’ or a spiritual strength that helps them maintain their
recovery. Joanna’s vision board provides inspiration and ideas for the
present and future. Rachel’s photograph of her daughter provides a
reminder of her longed-for identity as a mother. Karen’s daily self-
affirmation downloads provides her with ‘security’ and a sense of
something to aim for in the day
Acknowledgements
Grateful thanks to Pauline, Karen, Marion, Alison,
Rachel, Jane, Joanna and Sarah.
Alison: “I’ve done hundreds of shitty
things I could spend my life feeling bad
about or I could just have compassion
and go ‘right I made mistakes but that’s
not who I am now’ and move on. So
yeah the Buddha gave me hope
because your actions don’t define you.
Everybody makes mistakes, just some
make bigger mistakes than others”
Sarah: “See when I’m reading about the
angel I’ve got to protect and look after
myself today and I’ve the capability to do
that. It’s good to have a higher power,
knowing there’s somebody will help me
through that day. I don’t think there’s
anything wrong with putting your hand out .
I struggled with that for a long time.”
Joanna: “I had quite clear ideas of
things that interested me and goals
that I had. What inspired me. Who
inspired me. I think I was able to
identify stuff that And looking back on
it, I don’t think I give myself credit for
the stuff that I done….I’m really hard
on myself.”
Pauline: “It’s not so much the book but
what it stands for and what’s in it. Through
the 12 steps you’ll be able to feel about
yourself and disclose yourself and do this
and move on. And come to know about
acceptance and accepting yourself. This is
who I am.”
Marion: “I think it
just says to stay
calm and not to be
wild, do you know
what I mean?
Because the wild
person in me is not
nice and I don’t
want to see her”