Picturing the researcher: Using photovoice to document the research assistant experience during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The article is a reflection by two graduate research assistants (GRAs) who experienced the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the in-person interactions through which qualitative researchers usually learn about human experiences. With in-person research curtailed, the authors were compelled to think creatively and find other ways to continue their research and develop meaning. The researchers reflected on their experiences as GRAs for the study ‘Thriving in Canada: Learning from the (photo) voices of women living on a low income engaged in action research to improve access to health and social services’. Taking advantage of pandemic-related study delays, the researchers explored the photovoice method in more depth and used photovoice to document their own lived experience as GRAs, and their learning. They practised self-reflexivity and worked to improve their visual-based photovoice facilitation skills. This illustrated essay is the story of the authors’ experiences over the past year working as GRAs during the COVID-19 global pandemic.