Collaborative Research Network
Using Mass Observation aims to create a cluster of researchers in arts, humanities and social sciences interested in interpreting and using unique accounts of everyday life in Britain held at the Mass Observation Archive based at the University of Sussex. This year-length project intends to facilitate dialogue between researchers, host practical workshops and produce publications.
Using Mass Observation will examine the widest range of approaches to the historical, autobiographical, and ethnographic written material generated and collected by the Mass Observation Archive. We will seek to understand, debate, and share methods developed within particular disciplines with researchers from a variety of fields thereby extending interdisciplinary practice.
Using Mass Observation would like to invite any interested researchers, especially early career researchers and postgraduate students, to join this new collaborative research network. The network offers on-going discussion about Mass Observation and methodology, guidance in utilising and commissioning Mass Observation research, and support for writing grant proposals and academic publications.
Methodological Innovations is supported by University of Brighton Research Innovations and is co-ordinated by:
Mark Bhatti, School of Applied Social Science M.Bhatti@brighton.ac.uk
and
Louise Purbrick, Faculty of Arts L.Purbrick@brighton.ac.uk
Methodological Innovations benefits from close collaboration with Dorothy Sheridan, Director of the Mass Observation Archive
www.massobs.org.uk
Annebella Pollen is Methodological Innovations Research Fellow and for further information on the project and to register for events and the network contact: A.Pollen@brighton.ac.uk
Dates for your diary
30 September 2009
Introduction to Mass Observation
with Dorothy Sheridan and Louise Purbrick
Location: Mass Observation Archive, University of Sussex
2pm-5pm
This workshop is an introduction to the workings of the Mass Observation Archive, the changing methods of collection of accounts of everyday life, how they are currently kept and can be accessed. These ‘practical’ methodological issues are underpinned by ideas about what constitutes social and historical research and the workshop will encourage discussion about the implications of particular Mass Observation methods.
6 November 2009
Analysing Mass Obervation Data
Location: Mass Observation Archive, University of Sussex
10am-5pm
This workshop is aimed at those who would like to use Mass Observation data in their research and writing. We will look at how 'directives' are generated and explore the different methodological approaches by which MO data can be analysed and understood.
12 May 2010, 12 - 6pm
Engaging Mass Observation: New Perspectives on Contemporary Material
Conference and exhibition
Jubilee Library
Jubilee Square
Brighton, BN1 1GE
