ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we consider the fact that there is no single way to design and conduct research that is based upon or includes a projective technique. We note how these approaches are very frequently used within a focus group setting and that they may be used to accompany and compliment other forms of data gathering. We then take the reader through step-by-step approach to how a novel projective technique may be developed in order to meet the specific needs of a particular piece of research. We consider how a researcher may wish to attempt to understand how participants think and feel about candidates in a political election. We suggest that the researcher may decide to develop a novel form of an empty balloon procedure to delve into participants’ understanding of the candidates. We offer three variations of this basic design and suggest the type of information that the three variations may produce and the insight they may provide. An example is also provided of a novel technique that we have designed specifically as an illustration for this book, which employs the gathering of digital visual and sound files, in order to illustrate a participant’s disposition towards an event or object.
