ARTISTS TALKING
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Academic research
Jane Watt looks into the world of academic research and examines research opportunities for artists within institutions and the UK higher education system.
Most artists consider that they undertake research as part of the development of their work and practice. Their research may be investigating different types of varnish, it may be looking at different species of birds, you name it, it is often called research if it comes before the end product or outcome. However within the academy, not all acts of investigation are seen as research. Traditionally, something is worthy of the title ‘research’ if one or more hypotheses are tested within specific parameters and with due reference to other similar, complimentary or conflicting findings that are already within the public domain of knowledge. This research usually makes a contribution towards some kind of new knowledge (one requirement of doctoral research). The way in which this type of research is carried out can be through literature searches, case studies, interviews, eye-witness accounts, action or heuristic research. However, the debate isn’t this simple and the path isn’t necessarily a straight one. The discussion about what constitutes research within the context of art practice in higher education is one that continues to be held between academics,...
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