Doing Visual Analysis : From Theory to Practice

Visual communication shapes our perceptions and experiences of the world. This is not only a question of photographs or video, but also the design of websites, the use of data visualization software, the branding of packaging, and even the design of buildings and furniture.

Doing Visual Analysis: From Theory to Practice provides a concrete set of tools to research and analyse this wide range of visual data. Showing students how to apply the right mix of methods to their own research projects, it equips them with the skills to break down and analyse the range of contemporary visual communication. The book:

• Provides examples of how and where certain tools can be used in a project or dissertation
• Discusses the type of research questions best suited to different tools and methods
• Shows students how to mix approaches and use tools alongside other methods, such as content analysis or interviews

Doing Visual Analysis is an essential companion for students and researchers of visual data across the social sciences. 

David Machin is Lecturer in the Department of Media and Communication at the University of Leicester. He is co-editor of the journal Social Semiotics and has written five other books, including Introduction to Multimodal Analysis (Hodder, 2007), and News Production (Routledge, 2006), as well as co-editing the Media Audiences major work with Barrie Gunter.