Data Collection Strategies for Sharing Lived Experiences: Low-Income Mothers’ Perceptions of Text (SMS) and Multimedia (MMS) Data Collection

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore low-income lone mothers’ perceptions of their engagement with a text (SMS) and multimedia message (MMS) qualitative study. Study participants were asked to submit text and pictures via SMS and MMS that represented their reflections, observations, and experiences accessing community support services over a 6-week period. After engaging in the study, participants were asked to complete an evaluation questionnaire. The resoundingly positive feedback received in the evaluation—and the researchers’ satisfaction with the data collected—suggests that researchers should consider employing SMS and MMS data collection strategies to gain open-ended insights into the daily experiences of marginalized groups. This method may be particularly well suited to feminist research designs and research with populations underrepresented in the literature due to barriers presented by traditional data collection strategies.