Polyphonic sound montages: A new approach to ethnographic representation and qualitative analysis

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the methodological aspects of analyzing and editing recorded qualitative interviews into polyphonic sound montages, which can then be played in a workshop and facilitate reflection, discussion and co-analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines the two elements of the method: editing and co-analysis. It uses empirical examples from a specific project where polyphonic sound montages were edited from interviews with patients at a cardiology department and played in a workshop for a multidisciplinary group of doctors, nurses, technicians, secretaries and managers.

Findings

It is argued that working with polyphonic sound montages is an engaging and fruitful way to present qualitative findings enabling the researcher to include more people in the analysis of the material.

Originality/value

The crafting of polyphonic sound montages and the process of co-analysis, as described in this paper, is a new approach to ethnographic representation and qualitative analysis. The paper may inspire researchers or consultants who want to experiment with a new way of involving user perspectives.

Citation

Arnfred, M. (2015), "Polyphonic sound montages: A new approach to ethnographic representation and qualitative analysis", Journal of Organizational Ethnography, Vol. 4 No. 3, pp. 356-366. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOE-10-2014-0034