Martin, J. & Merrotsy, P. (2006) Portfolio of artifacts: Promising data for qualitative research. Australasian Journal of Gifted Education, 15 (1), 39–43. Authors’ copy. Portfolio of artifacts: Promising data for qualitative research Juliet Martin and Peter Merrotsy The purpose of this article This article describes a data collection method that arises from a fresh application of the portfolio/artifact concept. An extensive search of the literature on data collection methods for qualitative research produced papers and chapters on portfolio (for assessment purposes) and artifacts (for stimulating recall, case study and narrative inquiry). However, nothing was found to resemble the method that follows. It has proved to be a very powerful tool in our research with gifted children, although it does appear to be seldom used elsewhere and as such requires further investigation. Background About ten years ago, the authors were independently introduced to the concept of portfolio as an authentic assessment tool (Burke et al, 1996). This generated interest in the potential of portfolio to enlighten individuals about themselves and others in a broader way. By a natural extension of this concept, portfolio as a collection of artifacts was applied to the affective realm of the gifted student and developed, for example, into the Personal Portfolio Programme (PPP) (Martin, 2003). Here, gifted adolescents: select and gather mementoes, symbols, significant pieces from their past and present. They focus on their self, share with one another, reflect and make self-discoveries. (Martin, 2003:13.) The depth of revelation and positive student reaction from this simple process went beyond expectations and prompted the development of other applications. Subsequently, the portfolio of artifacts was applied to qualitative research as a method for data collection. Portfolios and artifacts as data collection methods A lengthy analysis of the methods outlined below is not appropriate for the general purpose of this article. Rather, the explanations that are given provide a context for understanding the nature of the portfolio of artifacts (PoA).