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Childhood researchers use a variety of different sources to analyse different types of data
The term visual data can be quite controversial and difficult to define
Many types of visual data are accompanied by captions or text, for example on websites. The text helps identify the meaning of an image and what its intended purposes it also draws attention to such images
An approach used to analyse non-verbal signs and images was originally described as “semiotics”, this term describes “the study of signs” and was one of the early and influential approaches used to analyse images
Rose (2012) talks about how it is important to establish the relationships between images and objects a time he refers to as “”compositional interpretation”
Images and objects we often quickly process and without considering how or why they have been produced
When considering visual data for research there is often a distinction between two different types of data
Researcher initiated data has been gathered in a way that the researcher can interpret and assess for their needs
Allan (2005) describes a method she names “photographic diary method” in order to study how “high achieving girls” manage and negotiate their identities within the school environment.
There can be many different issues that we must consider when interpreting a video recordings before reaching conclusions
It is important to consider how visual data that was already available is produced as it often involves a very complex production process involving many people and a variety of tasks in order to specifically encourage us to take them at face value
Audiences will respond differently to visual images and objects depending on how they construct them in terms of their own assumptions on how, why, whom produced them
There are many debates over whether images and text says have predetermined meanings or whether they are constructive by the individuals and audiences viewing them, therefore much research has been done regarding audiences for television and film productions
All different forms of social and educational research will carry ethical issues to varying degrees and severity
Visual data does not involve serious ethical debates because generally most data is being collected from sources which are publicly available
However some forms of visual data can raise many difficult ethical issues. For example taking photos or recording videos of children has recently become very sensitive activities across different societies
To resolve such issues it is a common strategy to seek informed consents before taking any photographs or recording videos however this does not avoid all the potential problems that visual data can cause
In addition, it could be said that it is difficult to know what actually suffices as informed consent in the case of visual data
Therefore how images are produced and how they are interpreted by different audiences will also depend on the view the researchers trying to portray and the ability of the participants who give informed consent whilst having reliable knowledge and understanding of the purpose
