Prof. Robin Nelson, University of London (CSSD)

Practice as Research

Interlocking Spheres

Artsworld PaR Media sphere Academic sphere

Accents on “research”

   personal research – finding out, and sifting, what is known professional research – networking, finding sources and collating information academic research – conducting a research inquiry to establish new knowledge

Research outcomes

 new knowledge  ‘substantial new insights’

achievements of PaR initiative

established:  that arts or media practices may constitute academic research   media or artworks may be submitted as substantial evidence of research modes of presentation of arts or media research which map on to more traditional methods

PaR Research Submission

is likely to include:    a product (exhibition, film, blog, score, performance) with a durable record (DVD, CD, video) documentation of process (sketchbook, photographs, DVD) “complementary writing” which includes locating practice in a lineage of influences and a conceptual framework for the research

Why misunderstandings?

  misplaced sense that all devised pieces are “original” (in the sense of fresh articulations) but may not be original in research insight misplaced assumption that the maker’s investigation is always self evident in the product

adjustments

     specify a research inquiry at the outset build moments of critical reflection into timeline in documenting process, capture moments of insight locate your praxis in lineage of similar practices relate specific inquiry to broader contemporary debate (references)

methodology

Artistic process more akin to creative play than linear rational argument BUT play can have an equivalent rigour in respect of:    imaginative creation of material selection and composition rigorous editing

© Prof. Robin Nelson (revised 15 Feb 2010)

Dynamic Model for “Practice as Research" Know-how

Performer knowledge Tacit knowledge Embodied knowledge (Phenomenological) experience

Know what

Critical reflection Explicit knowledge Practitioner ‘action research’

PRAXIS

theory imbricated within practice

Know that

Conceptual framework Cognitive ‘academic’ knowledge Spectatorship studies Location in a lineage Audience research

100 % Practice?

  the answer depends on your understanding of knowledge and its dissemination if you go with requirement for “research orientation” demonstrating process and method, it is unlikely that this can be evident in the product alone which cannot articulate its own context

What is the difference between a traditional PhD and a PaR PhD?

Deeply traditional: • a contribution to knowledge and understanding in those subjects where the “scientific method” can be applied in reasonably direct form Today’s PaR: • a contribution to knowledge and understanding in any subject (including practice-based subjects)

Enrolment issues

    ensure clear agreement in writing about available facilities and times of access ensure institution’s regulations can embrace your project check that application does not require “scientific method” ensure supervisor is prepared to observe and feed back on process

Process issues

    build reading and reflection time into your work schedule map your conceptual framework since the “field” of inquiry may spill across several disciplines avoid undertaking several PhDs think in advance about documentation (including viewer response) and build this into your timescale and budget

Examination issues

   examiners need to be appointed in advance of usual timescales since they need access to the product examiners need to be sympathetic to PaR and prepared to visit twice try to avoid long gap between showing of the work and the written submission/viva

UoA65 “evidence”

  “evidence is taken to mean that which makes manifest the research content and imperatives of the submission” (#13) Researchers should submit such evidence as they deem necessary… (#13)

submission of evidence

  [artwork as output] “may be submitted alone where it is deemed to constitute sufficient evidence of the research in itself” ( #13 a) …recommended that a statement of up to 300 words is submitted… where the research imperatives and the research significance … might further be made evident (#13b)

submission of evidence (contd.)

  Portfolio: an evidence box of materials deemed to assist the sub panel may be identified… (#13c) [sub-panel will] “assess outputs against the three indicators of excellence (significance, originality and rigour’) (# 14)

conclusion

   an art or media work (or other praxis)may exceptionally stand on its own as a research outcome judged by peer review arts or media practices and processes may demonstrate critical rigour and even make arguments substantial insights may emerge through play between aspects of process