https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764218772671 American Behavioral Scientist 2018, Vol. 62(7) 935–955 © 2018 SAGE Publications Reprints and permissions: sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0002764218772671 journals.sagepub.com/home/abs Article The Affordances and Challenges to Incorporating Visual Methods in Mixed Methods Research Peggy Shannon-Baker 1 and Cherie Edwards 2 Abstract Mixed methods researchers are increasingly utilizing visual methods, including portraiture, symbolic drawing, and photo-elicitation. Such methods have been used to capture that which is not observable, communicate experiences that are difficult to verbalize, and promote participants’ self-awareness. Challenges to this approach, however, include limited grounding in the literature, appropriate training, and ethical concerns. After establishing a typology for visual methods, we discuss these affordances and challenges to using this approach in mixed methods studies. We analyze three example studies that utilize different visual approaches to identify their unique and important contributions. We conclude with several key considerations for researchers. Keywords visual methods, mixed methods research, methodology As our desire to examine complex and challenging phenomena continues to grow, so too will our need to employ methods that are best suited for such phenomena (Mason, 2006; Prosser & Loxley, 2008). This shifting orientation within social inquiry is reflected in both the increase of dissertations employing visual methods (Edwards, 2017; Shannon-Baker, 2015b; Sinner, Leggo, Irwin, Gouzouasis, & Grauer, 2006) as well as the number of visual approaches defended as valid, scientific methods (e.g., Brechet, Baldy, & Picard, 2009; Haaken & O’Neill, 2014; Liebenberg, 2009). 1 Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA, USA 2 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA Corresponding Author: Peggy Shannon-Baker, Georgia Southern University, 3139 College of Education Building, Statesboro, GA 30460, USA. Email: pshannonbaker@georgiasouthern.edu 772671ABS XX X 10.1177/0002764218772671American Behavioral ScientistShannon-Baker and Edwards research-article 2018