Arts Based Research

by Tom Barone, Elliot W. Eisner

Arts Based Research is ideal for students, researchers, and practitioners. This unique book provides a framework for broadening the domain of qualitative inquiry in the social sciences by incorporating the arts as a means of better understanding and rethinking important social issues. In the book′s 10 thought-provoking chapters, authors Tom Barone and Elliot W. Eisner--pioneers in the field--address key aspects of arts based research, including its purpose and fundamental ideas, controversies that surround the field and the politics and ethics involved, and key criteria for evaluation.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 28, 2011

Reviews

[Peaches · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an effective introductory-level text that provides superior definitions of this methodology than other books I've read. I found the film examples oddly out of place-why not examples that practitioners could connect with?-But otherwise, it was helpful. I'm not sure why some theorists allude to constructivism without providing the term/info on it though.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very grateful that Barone and Eisner devised a research methodology that is not counter to more scientifically empirical side of social sciences, but more of a complement of research styles often overlooked in the quantification of data. They provide some enthralling examples, especially Sabrina Case's Broken and Buried tale of sort of teaching in rural Arkansas. Still missing some details that were prominent in their earlier collaboration (Barone & Eisner, 1999) but what they have in the later instructional material is enough to get me started with my own arts based dissertation.

[Carmaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arts Based Research by Tom Barone and Elliot W. Eisner explores a human approach to academic research providing a context extending qualitative inquiry and quantitative exploration. By integrating the arts and social sciences, Arts Based Research (ABR) encompasses traditional research with social issues for greater understanding. Dr. Tom Barone’s background includes qualitative research methods and “arts-based approaches to contextualizing and theorizing significant educational issues.” Known as a pioneer of art education in schools, Dr. Elliot Eisner was also a supporter of curriculum reform, education policy, and qualitative research. Together, their enthusiasm incorporating art, fiction, and creative nonfiction into social inquiry is this book’s focus.

Not intended to replace traditional academic research, Arts Based Research is not a supplement to conventional research. Arts Based Research is a technique that incorporates sound, film, digital media, poetry, theatre, photography, and imagery. It is “is a process that uses the expressive qualities of form to convey meaning.” Since learning the facts is not always sufficient, integrating the arts promotes understanding and provides a broader perspective. For example, a novelist and a behavioral psychologist can observe and interview the same subject; nonetheless, their research will take two different forms. One avenue may include scientific research, while the other may have a more intimate approach. Both methods can provide valuable information.

Conventional research often produces facts, results, and closure, while Arts Based Research may result in chaos and illustrate disequilibrium. Arts Based Research is intended to enhance the existing knowledge base by uncovering different dimensions. Based on trailblazing work by Barone and Eisner, several scenarios engage the novice or experienced scholar. This book deals with definitions and examples how and when Arts Based Research is appropriate and effective politically and ethically.

The work describes the growth of Arts Based Research in the social sciences and education, and encourages researchers to think uniquely about their work. One chapter is filled with meaningful poetry exemplifying the value of artistic communication/expression. For instance, biographies and autobiographies voice a statement and offer “aesthetic and artistic approaches raising and addressing social issues.” Arts Based Research captures “meanings that measurements cannot.”

Key aspects of Arts Based Research are revealed with expressive form, evocative utilization of data, insight, and inspiration. This framework uniting social science and the arts is recommended for students and researchers in all disciplines.

Carmaine Ternes
Librarian, Researcher, Writer, Presenter
November 2017