Using Fiction to Reveal Truth: Challenges of Using Vignettes to Understand Participant Experiences Within Qualitative Research

Authors

  • Sana Rizvi De Montfort University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-20.1.3101

Keywords:

vignettes, qualitative research, authenticity, marginalised communities, socially desired responses

Abstract

Vignettes are increasingly used within qualitative studies to research difficult topics, requiring ethical mindfulness and sensitivity from researchers. In this article, I examine the methodological issues of incorporating vignettes within qualitative research, specifically my research exploring South Asian maternal experiences of supporting their children with special education needs and disability (SEND). I present participants with seven vignettes concerning the roles of religion, culture, gender and immigrant history. By presenting the participants' responses, I explore the applicability of two ensuing methodological concerns: 1. Are authentic representations useful and straightforward measure of vignette's effectiveness? 2. Do reduced socially desired responses reflect the effectiveness of a vignette? I consider these questions in detail, as well as how addressing the first issue affected my commitment to the second issue. I conclude that vignettes can be a rich point of reference from which participants can exercise agency and actively construct their own understanding of the issues presented in the vignettes.

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Author Biography

Sana Rizvi, De Montfort University

Dr. Sana RIZVI is a lecturer in education studies at De Montfort University. Her interests encompass developing ethical and emancipatory qualitative research methodologies and examining the educational experiences of minority and marginalised communities.

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Published

2019-01-27

How to Cite

Rizvi, S. (2019). Using Fiction to Reveal Truth: Challenges of Using Vignettes to Understand Participant Experiences Within Qualitative Research. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 20(1). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-20.1.3101

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Section

Single Contributions