Abstract
- This project entailed using the photovoice method of qualitative research to examine the phenomenon of aging in the Ryves neighborhood in Terre Haute, IN. Photovoice involves supplying participants with cameras and having them take pictures of whatever is meaningful to them. Participants then convene to share photos with one another, discussing the motivations behind the selected objects of the pictures, providing rich qualitative data that can be used in multiple ways. Photovoice participants may develop a grass roots needs assessment of their community, identifying problems that they face in their everyday lives (as well as brainstorming potential solutions). Participants may also identify resources in their community and create a description of opportunities available to community members of which others may not have been aware. The potential outcomes of a photovoice project are incredibly diverse but always have one thing in common: the participants themselves determine how the project will evolve and what will be done with the data gathered through this method. As such, photovoice is an innovative and exciting approach to community-based participatory research (CBPR) that can be implemented in any setting. Furthermore, by providing participants with cameras and an opportunity to share their images with one another, this method removes the barriers presented by projects that require participants to read, write, or prepare formal presentations in order to have their voices heard.