Artifact elicitation as a method of qualitative inquiry in engineering education

Elliot P. Douglas, Shawn Jordan, Micah Lande, Amy Elizabeth Bumbaco

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

10 Scopus citations

Abstract

Many qualitative research studies in engineering education use semi-structured interviews as an approach to inquiry. However, traditional semi-structured interviews do not always enable participants to answer questions in deep and meaningful ways. Recent research in engineering education has successfully drawn upon the inquiry method of photo elicitation, which uses photographs as interview prompts to elicit "thick description" from participants. Some studies have extended the methodology of photo elicitation to artifact elicitation, in which research participants are asked questions about artifacts (physical, virtual, etc.) that they have previously created and bring to the interview. Artifacts are similar to photos in that they embody the knowledge, skills, and attitudes held by the artifact creators. In this paper, we will provide examples of two current studies in engineering education that use artifact elicitation. Through these examples we demonstrate how artifact elicitation can elicit new meanings not possible through traditional interview techniques.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication122nd ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition: Making Value for Society
PublisherAmerican Society for Engineering Education
StatePublished - 2015
Event2015 122nd ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition - Seattle, United States
Duration: Jun 14 2015Jun 17 2015

Other

Other2015 122nd ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle
Period6/14/156/17/15

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering

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