Video in drama research: formalising the role of collaborative conversations within the analysis phase

Abstract

Drama research poses many challenges, due mainly to its ephemeral and spontaneous nature. Many researchers therefore turn to video to support their investigations, but these recordings are not always capable of capturing the vast richness of the live event itself. In response, this paper proposes that researchers need to explore ways to enhance the value of this video material and suggests that one approach might be to formalise the role of collaborative conversations within the data analysis phase of the research work. Here pairs or groups of researchers formally discuss the video data in detail, with these conversations being recorded and then layered onto to the video or transcript material. This collaborative approach was used within one longitudinal play study and achieved a number of positive outcomes including opportunities to see 'other' in the video texts, the production of enhanced theorising through the creation of a collective identity and the achievement of a layered report. Recent innovations in video analysis software systems and interactive on-line communities now provide further opportunities to extend such collaborative work between drama researchers.