This book presents the first comprehensive introduction to arts-based research (ABR) practices, which scholars in multiple disciplines are fruitfully using to reveal information and represent experiences that traditional methods cannot capture. Each of the six major ABR genres--narrative inquiry, poetry, music, performance, dance, and visual art--is covered in chapters that introduce key concepts and tools and present an exemplary research article by a leading ABR practitioner. Patricia Leavy discusses the kinds of research questions these innovative approaches can address and offers practical guidance for applying them in all phases of a research project, from design and data collection to analysis, interpretation, representation, and evaluation. Chapters include checklists to guide methodological decision making, discussion questions, and recommended print and online resources.
Patricia Leavy, PhD, is an independent scholar, formerly Associate Professor and Chairperson of the Sociology and Criminology Department and Founding Director of the Gender Studies Program at Stonehill College. She is the author or coauthor of numerous books on research methods, arts-based research, and transdisciplinary research. She is also a novelist and the editor of three book series. Dr. Leavy was named the New England Sociologist of the Year by the New England Sociological Association. She lectures and presents workshops, and is frequently cited in the media for her expertise in gender and popular culture. Her website is www.patricialeavy.com.
