International Research Project Meeting Focuses on Photovoice as a Qualitative Research Method

As part of the international research project “Building Qualitative Research Skills in Kazakhstan: Training Social Work Future Educators to Partner with Marginalized Communities,” an online research and training session was held with the participation of faculty members, researchers, and doctoral students from the Department of Sociology and Social Work, Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

The session was facilitated by Dr. Crystal Kwan, Associate Professor at the Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The meeting focused on Photovoice as a participatory visual method of qualitative data collection and explored its potential application in social work research.

The session began with an interactive Feelings Wheel activity, which encouraged participants to reflect on their emotional state and expectations for the session. Participants then worked in breakout groups, where doctoral students discussed their research questions and considered how Photovoice could be integrated into their own research projects.

During the discussion, participants explored the potential of visual methods to capture experiences, emotions, and perspectives that may not always emerge through conventional interviews. Examples from doctoral research included professional identity, social support for children with disabilities and their families, migration experiences, and research involving marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Particular attention was given to the ethical dimensions of Photovoice research. Participants discussed informed consent, confidentiality, ownership and use of photographs, the representation of research participants, and the additional ethical considerations required when conducting research with children and vulnerable groups.

Another important part of the session focused on the potential use of Photovoice in the project’s research with Qandas youth. Participants reviewed examples of Photovoice studies and discussed possible research themes and prompts related to housing conditions, language barriers, cultural adaptation, identity, and the everyday experiences of young people. These discussions will contribute to the further development of the research design, which will continue during subsequent project activities.

The session concluded with participants reflecting on the relevance of Photovoice to their own research and its potential for participatory social work research.

A particularly meaningful conclusion to the meeting was a traditional Kazakh bata (blessing) offered by Ms. Zhanar Nurakhmetova. This moment reflected the atmosphere of mutual respect, cultural exchange, and collegial support that has become an important part of the project’s collaborative learning environment.

The project is implemented within the framework of the PolyU-KazNU Centre for Sustainable Development in Central Asia, supporting joint research initiatives and strengthening academic collaboration between The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.