The use of artistically inspired methods in social science research: a reasonable short journey into the merits of transdisciplinary research

Arts based research (ABR) is a methodology in which the expressive qualities of form are used to convey meaning. ABR has successfully been used in a variety of different disciplines. ABR outcomes are generally under-served by the printed page. In many cases the art is considered the ‘data’ (e.g. images instead of text fragments) or the vehicle for dissemination of findings (instead of a written report). They may present themselves as a drama or dance performance, an exhibition of images or visual representations. These forms represent a considerable challenge for social researchers, which is why most of us use artistically inspired data as a supporting tool rather than an end-product in itself. In this workshop we will • present examples of how social scientists use artistic methods (visual data, (upcycling) materials,…) in the context of their research projects, • share and discuss some of the challenges involved in working on the thin line between art and science • apply some of our methods in practice. The workshop includes a discussion round on how to deal with ethics in the context of artistically inspired social science. We anticipate that the exchange between social scientists and artists in training will spark our imagination on how to maximize the potential of transdisciplinary work.status: publishe