Research Methods

Masters level arts research is different from science or social research.  Particularly when science/social research is commercially funded, the research has to follow a set protocol and reach a definable outcome.

Arts research sets up conditions for the happy accident as an outcome.  I am much more comfortable with this.

Re: search

Systematic investigation
Conducted intentionally
To acquire new knowledge and understanding
Justified
Communicated
About a subject.

The Fuzzy Set of Principles of Research

Aim that becomes clear
One or more Questions related to aim
Methods related to the aim
Related body of work identified and analysed
Systematic
Leads to new insights or images
Can be communicated

Method:  Procedure for attaining an objective.  "Way-journey towards"

Methodology: "ology" - study of.

- Research Methods
- Project Plan
- Philosophical perspective
- Conceptual perspective
- Contextual perspective
- Justification for appropriateness

Exploratory Methods

- Mind Maps                        )
- Free association writing     )
- Journalling                         )
- Reading/note taking           )   nourishing and feeding
- Draw/sketch                       )   via self and others
- Exhibitions                         )
- Analysing image                )
- Collage                              )
- Art classes with others       )

Experiment with methods: what happens if?
Plan, record, analyse

Diverse methods and documentation are essential.  I suppose this is because creating clear documentation clarifies one's thoughts, and also makes it easier for work to be assessed for the purposes of marking.

Reflection -v- analysis.

Develop an effective questioning strategy.
- What Questions do you ask when reading an academic paper? (What is the purpose of the writing?, what is the perspective of the author?, )
- What Questions do you ask when looking at an image?
- What Questions do you ask when in a Gallery?  (How did the Gallery structure the exhibition; what is the purpose; who does it represent; what company policies can I see demonstrated; How are viewers meant to interact with the imagery; how are the artists' intentions conveyed to the audience; are there any artist statements by the piece or do you have to work it out for yourself.)

Grounded theory - gather data; code it; then analyse the purpose of what you have gathered.  I think this is what I do when keeping my exhibition book.  I have been to many exhibitions and now I have a record of what I have been to, for the last 3 years,  I can see patterns emerging.  I am confused about what 'coding" is but I can see I have documented the same themes several times.

Evaluation: Might be worth creating a form for your research identifying:
Aim:  What was my purpose
How:  I did …
Extent and ways in which I achieved my aim: