Exploring Perceptions of Safety at The College of Idaho with Photovoice

AUTHORS: Jasmine Stanciu, Karina Llanes, Celeste Horton, Diane Mbahoze, and Binco Mamba
FACULTY: Jen Wallin-Ruschman
DEPARTMENT: Psychology

ABSTRACT

Our action research collaborative between student researchers, faculty, and administration each year chooses a topic important to campus to investigate with qualitative data. Over the past six years, we have focused on issues ranging from discussions about race on campus to the role of student Advocates in the Title IX process. This year, we continued the project by using the qualitative methodology of Photovoice to explore College of Idaho students' perceptions of safety on campus that will help paint a full picture of the campus climate. We particularly attended to how intersections of privilege and marginalization impacted who was more likely to experience fear or safety in certain places. We asked students to take pictures of spaces where they feel safe or unsafe. Students who submitted photographs then participated in one of three focus group sessions where they discussed their photos and associated perceptions of safety. Focus group sessions were audio-recorded and then transcribed. The research team then collaboratively coded the transcripts using Thematic Content Analysis. Results will be used to promote campus wide dialogue and action by hosting a physical exhibit based on our Photovoice project to amplify our participants' voices.