Method Subcommittee members are:  Herminder Kaur, Catalina Mihaela-Iordache, Andra Siibak, Dariya Orlova

All materials (recordings, passcodes and presentations) can be found HERE (accessible only to ECREA members logged into their profile).

Future workshops:

Worskshop 5: Autoethnography as a Method of Cultural Analysis, Critique, and Healing

May 22, 2025, 14.30 CET 

Lecturer: Dr. Lily Herakova, Associate Professor and Director of Communication Education, University of Maine, Orono, USA

This workshop introduces autoethnography as a critical interdisciplinary research method, focusing both on its epistemological and ontological underpinnings and on practical steps. We will review a succinct genealogy of autoethnography and its movement from the academic fringes toward becoming more widely used and recognized. Participants will learn autoethnography's connection to broader calls for and processes of de-westernizing Communication Studies and academia as a whole. Through guided discussion and practical exercises, we will explore what kinds of questions are best addressed autoethnographically and how to move from questions and aha-moments to narrative to analysis and back again. We will consider the frequent critique that autoethnography lacks rigor and reflect on how relational ethics, vulnerability, and accountability can re-define rigor, especially in collaborative and engaged autoethnographies.  

Sign up here: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=yQ1AlSA5YEykGP68wJ74WjrFKC1ckK1LntgpE2HyBK5UNVhRSzNPWlFXTkdET09UMUw3MVVLSkpYVy4u&route=shorturl

Once you have signed up, you will receive a zoom link to join the workshop as a calendar invite a week before the session.  

Workshop 6: Innovative Filmmakers and Digital Technology: Processes and Aesthetics

May 29, 2026, 14.30 CET (1 hour, 30 mins)

Presenter: Dr. Hugo Martins, University of Lisbon.

Presenter bio: Hugo Martins holds a PhD in Performative Arts and Moving Images by the University of Lisbon, Portugal (Faculty of Fine Arts/Faculty of Letters). He also has a degree in cinema from the Advanced School of Theatre and Cinema (Lisbon Polytechnic Institute), and was previously a student at the New York Film Academy. As a filmmaker, he directed a first feature film, "A Vida do Avesso" (Upside Down), and the segment "Eduardo", as part of the anthology-film "O que Há de Novo No Amor?" (What's New About Love?). Additionally, he works has an assistant director in cinema. As a researcher he is a collaborator at two research centres in Portugal: CIEBA (Centro de Investigação e Estudos em Belas Artes) and CIAC (Centro de Investigação em Artes e Comunicação). He has been a lecturer in cinema at higher education institutions, such as the University of Lisbon, since 2010. 

Abstract: An exploration of digital cinema and the creative process, the workshop delves into cinematic works by contemporary, out-of-the-box filmmakers who use accessible technologies in their work, segueing into an involved discussion on how select filmic examples speak to the participants´ own research and/or creative work. Beginning with an analysis of innovative films, the presentation will demonstrate how the cinematic application of available (and often everyday) technological tools is influencing filmmaking processes and advancing distinct aesthetics and narrative forms. Select scenes will be made available to participants for viewing, leading to a dialogue. Participants will be encouraged to reflect on the relationship between art forms, media, and the creative act by relating one of the scenes to their ongoing research or creative work. The authorial voice and intention of the filmmaker, creator, or writer in the digital realm will be a subject of consideration, as will the rising influence of AI. This workshop is aimed at members in early stages of their doctoral study/research journey, filmmakers, and other creatives with an interest in cinema, film studies, digital technologies, aesthetics, and the arts in general. 

Sign Up Here: https://forms.office.com/e/0ph3dZw8z3 

Once you have signed up, you will receive a zoom link to join the workshop as a calendar invite a week before the session. 

Previous workshops:

Workshop 1: Refining the Research Project

Friday 11 April 2025, 14:00 (CET)

Lecturer: Dr Herminder Kaur, Senior Lecturer in Digital Sociology in the Department of Criminology and Sociology at Middlesex University, London

This workshop focuses on the crucial process of refining a research topic and developing well-structured research questions. Participants will explore strategies for searching existing literature and narrowing down their research focus to ensure clarity and feasibility. Through guided discussions and practical exercises, they will examine examples of research questions and engage in formulating both qualitative questions and quantitative research hypotheses. This session is aimed at members who are in early stages of their doctoral study/research journey and will help lay the foundation for forming a coherent research design.

CLOUD RECORDING LINK (you need a passcode to access the data): HERE

Workshop 2 – Designing a Suitable Methodological Approach

May 9 2025, 14:00 (CET) 

Lecturer: Dr Herminder Kaur, Senior Lecturer in Digital Sociology in the Department of Criminology and Sociology at Middlesex University, London

Building on the previous session, this workshop introduces participants to key areas they need to consider to determine the most suitable methodological approach for investigating their research questions. Through interactive discussions and activities, attendees will explore traditional qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as innovative approaches emerging in media and communication studies. By critically engaging with different methodologies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to align their research design with the objectives of their study.

CLOUD RECORDING LINK (you need a passcode to access the data): HERE

Workshop 3 – Designing Research Tools

May, 23, 14:00 (CET)

Lecturer: Dr Herminder Kaur, Senior Lecturer in Digital Sociology in the Department of Criminology and Sociology at Middlesex University, London

Whether conducting quantitative or qualitative primary research, you will likely develop research tools such as surveys, interview guides, or materials that facilitate data generation. If using a mixed-methods approach, you may need to create a combination of these tools. In this session, you will engage in designing quantitative survey questions and explore software options for creating and distributing surveys online. Additionally, you will be introduced to different types of interview questions and learn how to structure them effectively to gather rich, in-depth data.

CLOUD RECORDING LINK (you need a passcode to access the data): HERE

Workshop 4 – Research Ethics

May 30, 14:00 (CET)

Lecturer: Dr Herminder Kaur, Senior Lecturer in Digital Sociology in the Department of Criminology and Sociology at Middlesex University, London

 This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to ethical considerations in research, ensuring participants understand the principles of conducting responsible and ethical studies. Key topics include informed consent, data protection, confidentiality, and avoiding bias. Participants will explore real-world ethical dilemmas and discuss strategies for addressing challenges in their own research. The session will also cover institutional ethical approval processes and the importance of maintaining integrity throughout the research journey. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will develop a strong ethical foundation for their projects.

CLOUD RECORDING LINK (you need a passcode to access the data): HERE