British Society of Criminology Postgraduate Seminar Day: Thinking differently about methods

Date: Tuesday 26th October 2021

Time: 1pm - 5.30pm

Location: Online

This British Society of Criminology Postgraduate thinking differently about methods event is part of the ‘Thinking Differently’ series which seeks to bring together academics and practitioners to critically explore contemporary issues in criminology. These events are a space for postgraduates to contribute to questioning taken-for-granted thinking in criminology, criminal justice and beyond.

These are challenging times for new criminological research. The aim of this event is to explore the innovative and interdisciplinary ways in which we are using, or could use, new and established methods to address a wide range of research challenges in contemporary criminology, criminal justice and beyond. Postgraduate and early career researchers have important contributions to make in pioneering inventive methods and approaches. This event is a space to discuss the challenges we face in research and the role methods play in helping us address those challenges.

This event will include keynote speakers and postgraduate speakers. There will also be time during the event for networking and discussion.

At the end of the event (between 5.30pm and 6.30pm) there will be a virtual happy hour were presenters and attendees can network and chat about all things criminology, research methods, and postgraduate life.

Keynote speakers:

Dr Wendy Fitzgibbon, University of Westminster.

Presentation title: Photovoice: Creative Methods for a Challenging Age.

Abstract: This presentation explores the use of a creative technique, Photovoice as a method used to investigate the experiences of probationers on their journey towards desistance. People subject to penal supervision in the community were invited to take photographs that visually represented their experiences. These were discussed within focus groups and interviews with the participants. This approach combined elements of ‘photo-elicitation’ and ‘photovoice’ methodologies in providing new insights into the lived experience of supervision. Photovoice as a methodological and creative tool is revealed as a novel and expressive means to research marginalised and often unheard populations. It is an effective technique for undertaking cross-national research which can communicate across cultural boundaries.

Dr Tom Raymen, Northumbria University.

Presentation title: Theoretical Psychoanalysis and Life History Interviews with Active and Recovering Gambling Addicts.

Abstract: This talk will discuss ongoing research with active and recovering gambling addicts which utilises in-depth life history interviews and theoretical psychoanalysis. It will consider the relationship between theory and method, and will also consider the challenges and opportunities provided by the pandemic for this particular type of research.

Postgraduate speakers:

Kathryn Farrow, University of Oxford.

Presentation title: Conducting online ethnographic research with the police.

Alex Beaumont, University of Plymouth.

Presentation title: Being ‘Almost Invisible’: Researching Christian Faith Conversions in Former Prisoners.

Deborah Russo, University of Edinburgh.

Presentation title: The case of research on isolation in prisons in Scotland.

Joseph McAulay, University of Oxford.

Presentation title: To Friend or not to Friend? Evaluating the utility of Facebook as a recruitment tool for research with “hard to reach” populations.

Charlie Sutton, Loughborough University.

Presentation title: Reimagining Data: examining existing data in innovative ways.

Brendan Brookshaw, University of Plymouth.

Presentation title: An autoethnographic examination of the emotional labour of police officers when reporting wrongdoing by colleagues.

Dr John Kendall, University of Birmingham.

Presentation title: Looking out for what does not happen.