The Mmogo-method™ : an exploration of experiences through visual projections / Vera Roos

Abstract

Visual projections are often used as diagnostic and therapeutic aids in psychology. However, there is scant research on the possible applications of projective visual expression techniques in psychological research where data are gathered simultaneously on the personal as well as collective levels. This article contextualises research against the background of indigenous knowledge discourses and the need for developing accountable research methodologies that suit the cultural background of people and accommodate the emotional expressions of diverse research populations. This article discusses a projective visual data gathering method, the Mmogo-method™ (consisting of clay, beads and straws), in which participants use associations to project content that relates to their personal and collective experiences. Personal projections refer to the inner emotional level of experience pertaining to the individual, while collective projections refer to the different contexts in which the experiences are formed. The Mmogo-method™ exposes participants to an unstructured research environment and materials and, through an open-ended research question, invites them to visually express their experience of a specific subject. This is followed by a discussion of the visual presentations by the participants and the researcher. Case studies in which the Mmogo-metilod™ is used are included. Guidelines for increasing tile trustworthiness of visual projective techniques, as well as limitations of the Mmogo-method™, are also discussed.