The Atypical Creative Arts Research Methodology(s):Integrating Practice with Performance

Much like teaching methods, research methodologies can be embracedin varied formats. The choice of such methods must, however, bealigned with the nature of the area of studies being researched. Oftenseen as an apparentmove away from the mainstream to the adoption ofunconventional research paradigms, Creative Writing has emerged asa discipline outside the rest of the academic realm. It is seen as a formof studies that dwells on the research-oriented yet “subjective”practice of writers. Being thus, Creative Arts research in general andCreative Writing research content in particular tend to shy away fromthe more acknowledged manner of investigating problems, collectingdata, and presenting conclusions in a proper research format. Instandard research, a brief statement of the aims, theoreticalframework, literature review, methodology, concrete analyses leadingto conclusive results, etc., are deemed the necessary parts of anempirical paper. In Creative research, the priority on the contrary isdiverted to the exhibition of creative products and artefacts, which arethe discipline’s focal tool of trade. Artistic practice is deemed to beused asthe principal research method, without necessarily utilizing theproblem identification-exploration-investigation-analysis-conclusionframe, which is completely unlike the qualitative, quantitative, or otherexisting research methodologies. This article will explore twonovelpractice-oriented inquiry methods that have now come into focusin Creative Arts Research. Each ensues from the traditional“interpretative” philosophical paradigm, yet eventually leads to a“Performative” data creation and analysis strategy, which is unlikethe traditional qualitative and quantitative data collection modes.