Visual Research Methods in the Social Sciences 2nd Edition

Boldly rethinking how we see social life, Visual Research Methods in the Social Sciences, 2nd Edition by Stephen Spencer is an essential guide for students, practitioners, and academic researchers. This updated edition demystifies visual approaches—photography, film, digital media, mapping and archival images—and shows how they can produce rigorous, insightful social science evidence across UK and international contexts.

Drawing on clear case studies and step-by-step guidance, Spencer offers practical frameworks for designing visual projects, collecting visual data in the field, and conducting ethical, reflective analysis. The book bridges theory and practice: it explains methodological debates, outlines coding and interpretive strategies, and helps readers integrate visual findings with interviews, surveys, and ethnography. Helpful for courses in sociology, anthropology, media studies, human geography and interdisciplinary research, it supports both classroom learning and applied research in government, NGOs and industry.

Readers will appreciate concise chapters that cover legal and ethical considerations, technological developments, and strategies for presenting visual evidence to academic and non-academic audiences. Accessible yet scholarly, the text prepares you to produce compelling visual research that speaks to diverse communities and policy contexts across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific and beyond.

Whether you’re a postgraduate student preparing a thesis, a lecturer updating your syllabus, or an independent researcher seeking robust methods for visual inquiry, Spencer’s 2nd edition equips you with the tools to see social life differently and to make findings that matter. Order your copy today and start visualising social science with clarity and confidence.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.