Conducting the Mmogo-method

Abstract

This chapter sets out to describe the Mmogo-method and four distinct phases in its application. In Phase 1, researchers create a context for optimal participation by introducing group norms. In Phase 2, participants are asked to sit together around a table. Each is presented with a standard set of materials: malleable clay, beads or buttons in different colours, dried grass stalks (or suitable substitute), and a circular piece of cloth, packed in a container. Following an open-ended prompt, participants construct visual representations (visual data) representing the phenomenon that is the focus of the research. The representations are photographed (visual data). In Phase 3, each individual explains her or his visual representation (visual and textual data), and group members discuss individual participants’ interpretations of the images they have made (interactional data), augmenting content with their views (textual data). In Phase 4, the data-gathering session is concluded by debriefing participants as well as researchers (textual data). The fact that not all participants may want to join a group or construct visual images could limit the method’s application. The Mmogo-method is not indicated for anyone who has been traumatized recently, or who finds it difficult to deal with reality or is unwilling to participate in a group.