This webinar was organised by QUEST (Qualitative Expertise at Southampton) in collaboration with the National Centre for Research Methods and the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership. It was held on 7 February 2024.
The speakers were: Dr Rishika Mukhopadhyay of the University of Southampton, Dr Elona Hoover of the University of Brighton, and Dr Matilde Meireles of the University of Oxford.
Using sound as a research method can be a fascinating approach in various academic fields, such as anthropology, sociology, environmental studies, and more. This method involves studying sounds as primary data to gain insights into environments, cultures, behaviors, or processes. Here are some key aspects of using sound as a research method:
- Acoustic Ecology: This field studies the relationship between living beings and their environment through sound. Researchers may analyse how sounds influence an ecosystem or how human activities alter the sonic landscape.
- Ethnomusicology: This discipline focuses on the cultural aspects of music and sound. Researchers study music traditions, the social roles of music in different cultures, and how music interacts with other cultural domains.
- Sonic Anthropology: This approach examines the cultural significance of sound in various societies. Researchers explore how sound is used in rituals, communication, and everyday life, providing a deeper understanding of cultural norms and values.
- Urban Soundscapes: This research looks at the sounds of urban environments. It can involve mapping city sounds to understand noise pollution or exploring how urban design influences the auditory experience of city dwellers.
- Bioacoustics: In wildlife conservation and biology, bioacoustics may be used to monitor biodiversity and the health of ecosystems. Researchers record and analyze the sounds of different species to assess their population and behavior.
- Sound Art as Research: Some researchers integrate sound into artistic practices to explore or critique social, cultural, or political conditions. Sound art can be both a method and an output of research.
- Historical Soundscapes: This involves the reconstruction of past soundscapes to understand historical settings, events, or experiences. It can provide insights into how historical environments might have influenced social and cultural activities.
Each of these approaches requires specific methodologies for recording, analyzing, and interpreting sound data, often using advanced audio technologies and analytical frameworks to systematically explore the acoustic elements and their meanings.
The National Centre for Research Methods (NCRM) delivers research methods training through short courses and free online resources.
Visit the NCRM website: https://www.ncrm.ac.uk
