Visuals in public debate

Images play an increasing role in social media and news debates; they influence interpretations, legitimation, and emotions. This project - being developed in collaboration with education and practice partners – creates an analytical framework for photos and videos to systematically interpret visual actions.

Using an analytical framework inspired by Critical Discursive Psychology, framing and image-language relationships are examined in order to identify and classify recurring image-actions such as scenario-sketching, identity formation, and “us/them” group formation.

We will develop an image analysis framework that enables communication professionals to objectively interpret visual contributions to conversations. This will allow them to analyze how images influence public debates.

The framework includes clear coding units, inclusion/exclusion rules, reliability testing, design translations for users, and iterative practical and educational validation with partners in the field.

Feelings, memories, attitudes, and identities do not exist solely in the mind: they become visible in the way people speak about them. Language is a form of action, not a neutral reflection of reality. We intend to apply this expertise from the field of discursive psychology to images.

A testable Critical Discursive Psychology (CDP) image analysis framework, and a pilot of educational modules and training materials.

The research combines design research, multimodal/CDP analysis, and practice validation to make these visualization actions operational, reproducible, and usable for education and professional practice.

Peter Jonker
- Lecturer-researcher
- Research group: Social Interaction in Public Spaces

All researchers

Crisiscommunicatie Academie, Logeion, Ministerie van Algemene Zaken, Dienst Publiek en Communicatie, Ministerie van Financiën, Ministerie van Verkeer en Waterstaat, Museum Catharijneconvent, Sabel Communicatie

This research was co-funded by the Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (NWO).