Collecting and analysing data from a cartography of controversies

Abstract

This chapter introduces and uses an analysis of controversies as a guide for researchers collecting and analysing qualitative data. Although rarely used, the cartography of controversies is a powerful tool for mapping conflicts and disagreements in social relationships. We draw on this research method to describe the process of investigating conflicting interests in an organization, in this case, in carnival production in Brazil. We show how the method of a cartography of controversies helps to create guidelines for collecting and analysing data. Using this approach, it is possible to identify different practices and perspectives that lead actors to perform specific realities. We use the paradigm of a screenplay and ethnographic fiction to frame the narrated story, presenting the study findings through creative writing. Statements of purpose: We introduce and use controversies analysis as a guide for researchers collecting and analysing qualitative data, presenting the study findings through creative writing. Methodology: We draw on the cartography of controversies as a qualitative research method of data collection and analysis to describe the process of investigating conflicts interests in carnival production. Findings: We show how the cartography of controversies can be helpful for scholarship to create guidelines for collecting and analysing data so that it is possible to identify different practices and points of view that lead actors to perform specific realities. Originality and value: the cartography of controversies is a powerful tool for mapping conflicts and disagreements in social relationships and it is rarely used. In addition to introducing this tool, we use the paradigm of a screenplay and ethnographic fiction to frame the narrated story.