Collaborative methodological reflection: disrupting the ethical practices of a creative method in higher education research

Using processes of collaborative reflection, the authors explored their use of photo-elicitation by replicating the participant experience from their own research. The resultant discussion led to the emergent topic of ethical research practice, which includes both broader concerns and specific considerations in employing creative methods. Drawing on the framework of the British Educational Research Association’s ethical guidelines, this paper critically analyses the literature concerning ethical research practice before presenting the findings from this reflexive project. Directly responding to calls for ethical innovation in the context of creative methods, this paper makes specific recommendations for how ethical research practice can incorporate reflective approaches that complement the review processes of ethical review boards by further protecting participants and facilitating researcher understanding and development.