Integrating Arts-Based Inquiry in Evaluation Methodology

Opportunities and Challenges

Bibliographic Data

ID2385136
AuthorsHelen Simons (University of Southampton), Brendan Mccormack (0000-0001-8525-8905, University of Ulster and Royal Hospitals Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland)
Year2007
Volume13
Issue2
Pages292-311
Publication date2007-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Inquiry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1077-8004 • E-ISSN: 1552-7565
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1077800406295622
OpenAlexW1977847711
LanguageEN
Citations received23
References cited29

This article examines the case for the use of the creative arts in the process of designing, conducting, analyzing, and disseminating evaluations. The authors argue that using the creative arts in the process of evaluation evokes different ways of knowing and understanding the values of a program. The insights gained offer a unique addition to evaluation methodology. This not only broadens the perspective of what counts as evaluation knowledge but also creates opportunities for participants to engage in the process of valuing. The article also explores the challenges this perspective presents demonstrating- for example, how artistic knowing may be represented, claims to validity established, and methodological rigor ensured in integrating creative approaches in evaluation designs. The authors illustrate the case for the use of the arts in the evaluation process with examples from their own professional practice contexts in education, nursing, and health

Engineering ethics · Epistemology · Management science · Perspective (graphical · Process (computing · Sociology · The arts · Visual arts · Art Therapy and Mental Health · Computer Science · Engineering · Participatory Visual Research Methods · Psychology · Reflective Practices in Education