Participantmarking
Participantmarking refers to a data collection method in which participants themselves annotate or mark data materials during a study to communicate meaning, preferences, or experiences. This marking can occur on transcripts, questionnaires, photographs, maps, diagrams, or digital interfaces and may use color codes, symbols, margins, or extended notes. The approach centers participant agency and aims to capture aspects of interpretation that may be missed by researcher-led coding alone.
Applications of participantmarking appear across qualitative research, usability testing, and participatory design. In interviews or focus
Methods and analysis typically involve providing clear instructions and examples of permissible marks, and sometimes a
Ethical considerations include informed consent for marking and sharing of annotated materials, safeguarding privacy, and ensuring