​​Enhancing Participation and Overcoming Institutional ‘Happy Talk’: Developing and Applying a Participatory Visual Mapping Technique as part of Research Interviews with Athena SWAN Ireland Charter Team Members.​

Abstract

The aim of this article is to describe the rationale for developing a bespoke visual mapping technique, which was then applied during research interviews, and to outline reflections based on its use. The interviews were conducted as part of a qualitative research study exploring the embedding of gender equality through the implementation of the Athena SWAN Ireland Charter in three purposively selected Irish universities. The technique was developed and used during research interviews with 26 participants, who were members of institutional Athena SWAN Ireland Charter self-assessment teams (SATs). The purpose of the development and application of a visual mapping technique, described in this article, was to foster more dialogue and enhance agency with research participants during interviews. The interviews were focused on actions being done by the participant as part of the institution-wide Athena SWAN Charter work being implemented in the university. The main findings highlight the usefulness of the technique in facilitating dialogue and enhancing agency with those who engaged with it, as a way to gather data on actions, and to alter power and conversational dynamics within the interview space. Main conclusions point to the usefulness of devising visual mapping methods as part of research interviews that are uniquely designed and aligned with the purpose of the study. The study indicates the relevance of such participatory techniques in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion agendas within higher education institutions, and in contributing to teaching, research and learning praxis.