1. Introduction

2. Sandboxing: From Therapeutic Practice to a Technique of Qualitative Data Generation

3. Sandboxing in Practice

4. Sandboxing: Adaptations and Developments

5. Conclusion

This is the essential guide to the innovative qualitative research technique of sandboxing.

Originating from play therapy, sandboxing enables children, young people and adults to create three-dimensional scenes using miniature figures and everyday objects in a sand-filled tray. Creating these sand scenes offers opportunities for individuals and groups to reflect on and represent memories, everyday experiences and ideas about the future, which are then shared and discussed.

Offering an invaluable resource for students, researchers and practitioners, this comprehensive book:

- introduces a creative and engaging approach to qualitative data generation;

- features key international case studies, real-world examples and thoughtful reflections on the method's strengths and limitations;

- equips readers with the tools needed to effectively implement sandboxing in their research journey.

By drawing on creativity, reflexivity, ethics and expertise this book unlocks sandboxing's potential to transform your research with an inventive and imaginative approach.

Dawn Mannay is Professor of Creative Research Methodologies at Cardiff University.

Victoria Temperley is Lecturer in Education at Cardiff University.