What is your Methodology?

For my MA Research and Practice module I have been asked to answer these four questions:  

1. How would you define your practice in relation to the notion of practice as research, practice-based and practice-led research? 
   • For this module I have used a practice-led approach for my research, focusing on different camera formats, medium format film, medium format digital, 4x5 film and 8x10 film.  I explore how these different camera formats could inform and influence my practice as research.  
2. It is believed that artistic research processes are often iterative or cyclic. Do you agree? What is your understanding of the iterative cyclic web model illustrated in the introduction to 'Smith, H. & Dean, R. (2009) Practice-led Research, Research-led Practice in the Creative Arts'
   • I do agree with this model, and I see similarities to the ideas discussed in Designing Your Life: Build a Life that Works for You, by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans.  Within the book they discuss the process of design thinking and iteration that takes place in Silicon Valley (Burnett, B. & Evans D. 2017).  Design thinking is a process of examining a problem through first empathizing, defining, ideation, prototyping and then testing a solution (Burnett, B. & Evans D. 2017).  This is the approach of the Applied Research Department at Algonquin College and something I have my students utilize in class when they are given challenges to overcome.  This aids in the learning process which, I believe, is fundamental to the iterative cyclic web model too.  A practitioner of the iterative cyclic web model is able to take ownership to the problem, and develop critical and creative thinking to analyze and interpret the problem and form a opinion or solution.  This process, I believe, also aids in independence learning an excellent trait to develop and nurture in today’s workplace. 
3. How is a given methodology relevant to your own research proposal? 
   • A Survey is a methodology that I would like to use in my own research, through the use of an interview and a participatory project with the subject, a photovoice or photo-elicitation exercise.  This would involve having the participants create images to aid in the research, which would allow for a different perspective into the project.   
4. One methodology or more methodologies? Would you use multiple methodologies in your research? Why? 
   • Within the definitions of the methodologies I see some overlap, for instance in a Longitudinal Study a Survey could be employed to gather information, the same could be used in Participative Enquiry.  Myself I could see using the Grounded Theory for practice-led research into photography projects, like I am currently participating in for the Practice 1: Art and Design module.