Surveillance : an investigation into individual reactions to the capture and recording of personal images through interpretation of the moment

Bailey, John Paul

Abstract

This research project explores surveillance and how individuals react to its presence. This is achieved through research into the development of surveillance, exploring early techniques such as espionage as discussed by Crowdy, (2006), and Bentham’s Panopticon. There is a focus on how early examples of surveillance evolved into and influenced techniques and technologies in use today. Further investigation into privacy takes place and its relationship with modern surveillance is explored.

In order to achieve the research goal, that is, an investigation into how targeted subjects react to being surveilled, research and critical analysis into surveillance art and installations was completed and used to aid in the design of a practical investigation. In addition, the practical element of the study provided the opportunity for participants to complete questionnaires, thus enabling analysis of responses that demonstrate their understanding and views on surveillance:

Collected images and data were analyzed in order to address the research question: Can we, through a surveillance piece, obtain a critical response to individual reactions to ‘being viewed’? Additional work involved investigating if a pre-held conception had any link to the outcome of the practical research.

The captured images and interpretation of those images proved successful, but this process is interpretive and in no way conclusive. Bearing in mind the subjectivity of any analysis, there is some indication that the practical experience has an impact on the expressed views of participants.

Citation

Bailey, J. P. Surveillance : an investigation into individual reactions to the capture and recording of personal images through interpretation of the moment. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215726

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Jun 11, 2014
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Keywords: Arts and new media
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4215726
• Additional Information: School of Arts and New Media, The University of Hull
• Award Date: Sep 1, 2013