Abstract | This case study discusses the authors’ experience of using photo-elicitation to explore the lived experience of offender supervision in Ireland. The project is part of a larger European pilot project that emerged from the work of the COST Action 1106 Offender Supervision in Europe and involves academics from England, Germany, Ireland, Malta, and Scotland. The case study begins with a brief background to the study and examines the current state of knowledge about offender supervision. Next, the process of conducting a photo-elicitation study is described, followed by a detailed discussion of the photo-elicitation method in action. Despite some challenges, our overall experience with this methodology was very positive. In particular, we discovered that photo-elicitation engaged and empowered participants by giving them a collaborative role in the research process and allowing them to communicate their thoughts, feelings, and experiences to others, including policymakers and practitioners. The resulting findings also challenged our understanding of offender supervision and shed new light on the experience. |
---|