Rethinking qualitative data analysis in a co-creative experimental approach

Pithouse-Morgan, Kathleen; Samaras, Anastasia P.

Abstract

We are self-study research methodologists and teacher educators working across continents to enhance and broaden professional learning, knowledge, and practice. By witnessing and researching the value of multiple voices and stories interacting for profound professional growth, we developed the concept of polyvocal professional learning. Our polyvocal studies are made more robust by collaborative research methods inspired by the arts. Using and combining artistic practices in improvisational ways allows us to generate novel, energizing interpretations and conclusions. In this chapter, we review our published research to ask, “What difference can collaborative creativity (co-creativity) make in reimagining qualitative data analysis?” Building on the conceptual and methodological foundations of polyvocality and bricolage, we delve into a co-creative experimental approach to qualitative data analysis. Through poetry and dialogue, the study shows how working with data flexibly and imaginatively can expand our understanding of the influences on and consequences of our analytical practices. Eight design elements are presented as worthy of attention in co-creative experimental analysis: choice, space, uncertainty, cultural, different, together, change, academic.

• Acceptance Date: Aug 1, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Nov 6, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 17, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: May 7, 2025
• Publisher: Routledge
• Pages: 12-27
• Series Title: Expanding Visual Epistemology
• Series Number: 1
• Book Title: Arts-Based Research Across Textual Media in Education
• Chapter Number: 1
• ISBN: 9781032279060
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003294597-2
• Keywords: Qualitative data analysis; self-study research, co-creativity, collaborative experimentation; polyvocality; poetic analysis; dialogue; professional practice, professional learning
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/26220459
• Publisher URL: https://www.routledge.com/Arts-Based-Research-Across-Textual-Media-in-Education-Expanding-Visual/DeHart-Hash/p/book/9781032279077