What is Practice Led research?

What is Practice Led research?

Initially this question may pose some confusion over the difference between ‘practice based’ research and ‘practice led’ research.  A paper from the ‘Creativity & Cognition Studio’ (University of Technology Sydney, 2011) describes the difference between the two as ‘practice based’ being “to gain new knowledge partly by means of practice and the outcomes of that practice” and ‘practice led’ research as being “concerned with the nature of practice and leads to new knowledge that has operational significance for that practice. The main focus of the research is to advance knowledge about practice, or to advance knowledge within practice.” Both descriptions are still firmly rooted in the fact that this method of research is initiated by the ‘practice’. Schon describes the approach as “involving practitioners through creative ‘action’ and ‘reflecting in and on action’ ”. (Schon, 1983)

The benefit of practice led research is that the researcher is “inquiring as a reflective practitioner, acknowledging the complexity, dynamism and unpredictability of the real world”. (Visualizing Research, 2004). An example in case of this is provided in the book ‘Visualising Research’ (2004) whereby it describes the experience of a Ceramicist who was particularly interested in using firing techniques that produced visually exciting glazes but then came to the realisation that the technique was environmentally unfriendly. His experiences within his practice therefore led him into research on producing work that would not be harmful to the environment.

In conclusion I would describe ‘practice led’ research as a method which is used by a practitioner, working within his/her discipline and using a reflective approach as an initiation or justification for enquiry.   

Corrie Mahon, 2011