Policy Press

Sandboxing in Practice

Qualitative Interviewing with Sand, Objects and Figures

By Dawn Mannay and Victoria Timperley

Published

Mar 25, 2025

Page count

144 pages

Browse the series

Creative Research Methods in Practice

ISBN

978-1447372912

Dimensions

216 x 140 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 25, 2025

Page count

144 pages

Browse the series

Creative Research Methods in Practice

ISBN

978-1447372905

Dimensions

216 x 140 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Mar 25, 2025

Page count

144 pages

Browse the series

Creative Research Methods in Practice

ISBN

978-1447372929

Dimensions

216 x 140 mm

Imprint

Policy Press
Sandboxing in Practice

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.

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