A highly accessible introduction to arts-based research (ABR), this widely used text provides a practical guide for researchers who want to uncover information that traditional methods cannot capture. Patricia Leavy addresses all eight major ABR genres–narrative inquiry, fiction-based research, poetry, music, dance, theatre, film, and visual art. Following a consistent format, chapters review how each genre developed, explore its methodological variations and the kind of research questions it can address, and describe sample studies. An exemplary research article or online video link demonstrates each set of techniques in practice.

See also Dr. Leavy’s edited volume, Handbook of Arts-Based Research, which examines the theoretical and methodological foundations of ABR and explores cutting-edge applications across disciplines.

New to This Edition: *Covers two additional ABR genres: fiction-based research and film. *Chapter on the criteria for evaluating ABR studies. *Most end-of-chapter exemplars are new; plus links to online exemplars added for ABR performance studies. *Chapters restructured to follow a consistent format. *Implications for creative arts therapies are addressed throughout. *Increased attention to public scholarship and audience issues. *Expanded discussions of ABR as a paradigm, playbuilding, and technology.

Pedagogical Features *Checklists of issues to consider when deciding how to use a particular method. *Discussion questions and activities that can be worked on in class or assigned. *Annotated lists of suggested readings and websites, including links to online performance pieces. *Instructive research examples from multiple disciplines. *Flexibly organized so that chapters can be read independently or in sequence.

Winner–AERA Division D Significant Contribution to Educational Measurement and Research Methodology Award