Feeling our way: methodological explorations on researching touch through uncertainty

Abstract

This paper argues that methodological uncertainty, such as that experienced by the social research community through the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2022) is, and has always been, a vital part of the research landscape. Whilst recognising the many damaging effects of the uncertainties of the pandemic on research and researchers, we home in on the potential of the challenges raised by uncertainty as a force for methodological innovation. We introduce three InTouch project research studies conducted during Lockdown and reflect on the methodological challenges raised by the change and uncertainty of the pandemic. We describe our use, adaptation and reorientation of creative, sensory, and speculative methods to overcome these challenges. We reflect on how we mobilised the uncertain methodological terrain of digital touch and social research in the pandemic as a resource for methodological innovation.

Keywords: Online probes; digital; sensory ethnography; speculative research; touch; uncertainty.