Evaluating a visual timeline methodology for appraisal and coping research

Abstract

Theoretical models of stress have become increasingly sophisticated, recognising the importance of context and history, yet the principal data gathering method used by researchers remains the self-report questionnaire, a method which is conspicuously ill-suited to obtaining data which would allow for exploration of these factors. In this article we explore the use of visual methods as an alternative to traditional methods, presenting the findings of a study designed to test the utility of a visual timeline technique. A key contribution of this article is the application of an alternative technique for researching stress appraisal and coping. The technique conferred a number of benefits which may not have been provided by more conventional approaches, making it a suitable basis for the exploration of stress appraisal and coping. A further contribution is the identification of a straightforward process for analysing the visual data produced. Practitioner Points Understanding appraisal and coping in terms of history and context is crucial to the design of effective stress interventions. The visual timeline method offers practitioners an alternative way of gathering data in order to inform the design of appropriate interventions. It may be especially useful in working with individuals and organisations coping with change: the method was positively evaluated by participants, who found the experience enjoyable and beneficial, so it may elicit more engagement than traditional methods for gauging employee responses to change, such as attitude surveys.

Methodological considerations in the use of audio diaries in work psychology: Adding to the qualitative toolkit

“…However, the use of both quantitative and qualitative diary studies is not without its difficulties. Mazzetti and Blenkinsopp () highlight the limitations of diary studies including the significant demands on participants that lead to high levels of attrition. They suggest that in seeking to make the diary process more straightforward for participants, diaries inevitably become more formulaic thus reducing the richness of the data collected where instructions can be prescriptive and dilute freedom in participant responses.…”

“…Work-related stress is an extensively developed subject matter, and the nature of research enquiry on stress at work has evolved to consider a range of research methodologies, including different types of diary studies. For example, Jones and Fletcher (1996) advocate the use of methodologies alternative to the cross-sectional for investigating work-related stress, and many studies have utilized diary accounts in unearthing stress and well-being experiences (Clarkson & Hodgkinson, 2007;Mazzetti & Blenkinsopp, 2012).…”

Readying a region: temporally exploring the development of an Australian regional quadruple helix

“…First, the memory work process began with the researchers separately writing their memories (as highly descriptive, third person narratives) of the team's initial entry into the focal region via the use of trigger terms to generate event recall but not be restrictive (Ovens and Tinning, ). Given the longitudinal (and events‐based) nature of our memory work, this step further incorporated visual timelining into the construction of the memory narratives with us each generating a perceived timeline of events in conjunction with writing descriptive text to elicit richer data (Mazzetti and Blenkinsopp, ), add rigour and accuracy to our narratives and facilitate comparison. Second, the individual memory narratives were collectively ‘read, discussed and reflected on’ within the research team (Schratz, ) to generate intersubjective meaning through critical questioning (Ovens and Tinning, , p. 1127).…”

‘It’s not all it’s cracked up to be’: Narratives of promotions in elite professional careers

“…Meyer’s (1991) subsequent article brought drawings into organizational research, acknowledging the role of visual methods in building theory that focuses on people’s subjective experiences. In career research, Mazzetti and Blenkinsopp (2012) later used a visual timeline method to explore the stress participants associated with career transitions. They argued that a visual approach presents insights into the ‘complexity of life as it is lived by the individuals involved’ (Mazzetti and Blenkinsopp, 2012: 658).…”

“…In career research, Mazzetti and Blenkinsopp (2012) later used a visual timeline method to explore the stress participants associated with career transitions. They argued that a visual approach presents insights into the ‘complexity of life as it is lived by the individuals involved’ (Mazzetti and Blenkinsopp, 2012: 658). Thus, an arts-based lens can provide insights into the felt experiences of critical career events and their underlying ambiguities and contradictions.…”