Abstract:
Digital video and accompanying editing software are
increasingly becoming more accessible for researchers in terms of ease of
use and cost. The rich, visually appealing and seductive nature of videobased
data can convey a strong sense of direct experience with the
phenomena studied (Pea, 1999). However, the ease of selection and of
editing of digital video clips means that researchers need to be aware of
possible bias inherent in presentation of video vignettes and they also
need to monitor the authenticity of clips. Issues of confidentiality and
ownership are important and need to be thoughtfully considered by
researchers before this new technology becomes ubiquitous in qualitative
educational research. The paper discusses ways in which digital video
was used as a research tool in a project and explores the above issues as
experienced in the project.
