Visual mapping for data analysis

Visual mapping of process data

Prof. Peter Turnbull, Professor of Management at the University of Bristol

In several studies we have used visual mapping to depict changes over time and the (inter)action of the key players that we focus on in our research. We draw on the work of Anne Langley and others on “process research methods”, using our visual maps for “temporal bracketing” and the application of “alternative templates” to explain (inter)action in each period and establish not simply “what’s going on here” but “what is this case of”?

I could give a couple of examples from our research on: (i) the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the ILO’s (failed) attempt to develop a Convention (international labour standard) for decent work in global supply chains, published in Human Relations, and (ii) a recent paper on (successful) trade union resistance to the introduction of new technology in air traffic control, published in New Technology, Work and Employment.

The ILO study was based on a rich ethnographic dataset. My co-author worked at the ILO for 2.5 years during the deliberations on the proposed Convention and my own work with the ILO dates back to 1999. We encountered some rather very difficult challenges using these data as much of the “real work” at the ILO takes place “behind closed doors” and is therefore not part of the public record.

The study of trade union resistance to new technology (digital towers) was more straightforward as we have a close working relationship with Prospect (the union that represents air traffic controllers and technical staff) and Members of the Scottish Parliament who also opposed the plans were more than willing to discuss their concerns.

Art-based Mapping: an analysis of where teenagers spend their breaktime in school

Zifi Tung, PhD researcher at the University of Bath

For decades, research on play has primarily focused on young children, emphasizing its benefits for social, physical, and cognitive development (Lindon, 2007; Casey, 2010, Jawabri et al, 2023).) This study shifts the focus to adolescents, examining the nature of their playful experiences within a school setting. Data collection methods include map-making, observations, and focus group discussions.

This presentation focuses on the analysis of art-based maps created by students from year 7,8,9,10 and 12. Art-based mapping techniques have been widely applied in urban planning and the study of adolescent spatial experiences (Lynch,1960; Thomson and Philo,2004; Travlou et al, 2008; Webber et al, 2014). In this study, map-making was utilized to identify where students spend their break and lunch times, their favourite and least favourite locations, and restricted areas within the school.

By using content analysis, findings indicate across all year groups, most participants spend their free time with friends. During lunch, students are primarily engaged in eating, queuing for food, and socializing with peers. Significantly, only boys were shown to be playing football on the astro turf, there were no girls reported to spend time there. These results underscore the significance of friendship and questions whether the breaktime experiences are gendered.

This session is part of the SWDTP Data Analysis Webinar Series. Visit the following link for further information and registration: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/swdtp/1956811