Document Type
Grant
Project Title
Sights and Sounds of Veteran Identity: The Use of Photovoice Technique and Lyric Analysis in a Community-Based Participatory Action Research Framework
Principal Investigator
Stephanie Jett & Laurie Peebles
Publication Date
2025
College or Department
Psychological Science & Music
Funder
Academic Affiars
Award Date Range
2023-2024
Award Amount
$4998.00
Abstract
Researchers often attempt to define what it means to be a Veteran; however, there is a dearth of research where that question is directly asked of Veterans. Instead, a traditional approach to research is taken where the experimenter defines the variables and asks the participants to provide responses without being included in the research process or reaping any direct benefit from participation. We assert that in order to better understand this unique population, it is vital that we elevate their voices by employing more qualitative, community-based participatory action research (CbPAR) models where Veterans are empowered to use their voices to tell their stories. Researchers, then, serve to help communicate their stories to the community. The study we designed utilized a qualitative methodology where Veterans are asked to take pictures (photovoice technique) and identify songs that represent the answer to the following prompt: What does being a Veteran mean to you? Participants individually completed a 60-80 minute semi-structured interview where they were asked several questions to help the researchers understand the symbolism of the images and song lyrics relating to the prompt for the participants. Transcripts of the interviews were analyzed to uncover common themes and elements. External validity was addressed through member checking, in which participants reviewed the interview transcript, discussed identified themes, and helped choose representative images and songs to be displayed. We presented the images and song excerpts in an interactive, immersive exhibit in the community.
Recommended Citation
Jett, Stephanie Ph.D. and Peebles, Laurie, "Sights and Sounds of Veteran Identity: The Use of Photovoice Technique and Lyric Analysis in a Community-Based Participatory Action Research Framework" (2025). Academic Affairs. 15.
https://kb.gcsu.edu/grants-aa/15