Abstract:
This paper reflects on using self-recorded walk and auto-photo-elicitation as qualitative methodological components
in studying students' sense oj safery at night in a Central Business District (CBD) area oj a regional ciry in
Australia. This paper documents the use and potential of self-recorded walks (SRW) auto-photo-elicitation based
on a sturfy on sense of safety at night in a city centre. Fifteen domestic and international students participated in the
self-recorded lvalks, taking photos lvhile thry walked alone at night in selected sites. Participants made comments
into hand-held voice recorders while walking as well as capturing scenes to express feelings ofpersonal safety about
their environment. The paper confirms the value of self-recorded walking and auto-photo-elicitation approaches as
tools beyond traditional interviews and survrys to understand feelings offear or safety associated with environmental
and social clues in the urban fabric. The paper also documents achievements and constraints encountered f?y
researchers/investigators in carrying outfield research of this kind.
