Uses of interpersonal touch in educational settings : A methodological commentary

Abstract

Touch is a primordial resource for interaction and for managing social relations, something that quite literally connects us with other human beings. This discussion paper approaches the articles in this special issue from a methodological perspective by reflecting on analytical challenges and possibilities in investigating interpersonal touch in educational encounters. It will briefly outline relevant methodological issues and transcription-related concerns in approaching interpersonal touch from a multimodal and sensorial research perspective. Key ideas in the empirical articles are then discussed with a view to what kinds of insights the articles in the special issue generate for future studies of interpersonal touch in educational settings.