Reflections on using physical objects as data generation strategies: An example from a study of youth violence and healing

Abstract

In this article, we present an innovative methodological use of physical objects in facilitating the construction and reconstruction of meaning in a qualitative social work research project exploring youth violence and healing among racial minority youth in Canada. To highlight the role of physical objects in making visible the intricate processes of meaning making and remaking, we provide a close-up view of a symbolic objects activity performed by members of a Research Advisory Group in one site of a larger multisite project. We discuss the implications for broader qualitative practices in social work.