CMW as a qualitative research methodology. Opportunities and challenges illustrated with a case of studying ecological emotions.
Collective Memory Work (CMW) originally emerged as a method of self-exploration of personal experiences within a group of individuals seeking not only understanding but also aiming for change in a collectively determined direction. While such an aim of self-knowledge may diverge from the traditional understanding of scientific research, there are established research approaches in which knowledge generation is simultaneously accompanied by transformative change (e.g., a participatory action research approach). For this reason, CMW is appealing as a potential qualitative research method within the framework of academic studies and it has been utilized in this role.
In our presentation, we aim to discuss a case of using CMW as a data collection method in combination with grounded theory as a data analysis method in empirical-philosophical research on ecological emotions. We will reflect on the procedural details of incorporating CMW into the design of a qualitative study, focusing primarily on the opportunities and challenges of analyzing and interpreting descriptive data collected through CMW using grounded theory techniques. Furthermore, we will discuss the limitations of applying CMW within various qualitative methodologies and various paradigms, stemming from the ontological and epistemological assumptions inherent to the CMW methodology itself. We will conclude with recommendations for qualitative research practice using CMW, addressing both practicalities and paradigmatic decisions. Additionally, we will invite a discussion on other examples of applying CMW in academic research.
Weronika Kałwak (Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Institute of Psychology, Qualitative Research Lab)
Vanessa Weihgold (University Aix-Marseille, CNRS Centre Gilles Gaston Granger, University of Tübingen, Internationales Zentrum für Ethik in den Wissenschaften)