Methods and Tools of Self-Study

This chapter provides an examination of specific methods used in self-study. We begin the chapter with a discussion of key elements that lead to our definition of what we mean by methods. Methods used for self-study build on traditional qualitative research methods, but the flexibility and creativity that emerge from self-study research lend itself to versatile creative approaches. The specific methods used in self-study often emerge as a particular function of the research. Through a process of examining the research literature where self-study is the methodology of choice, we organize the types of methods used into two major areas: (1) narrative/text-based methods and (2) creative/arts-based methods. We distinguish between what we term concrete narrative and text-based data representation and abstract narrative and text-based data representation. Narrative and text-based data representation considered concrete are those written texts that reflect actual life experiences such as the transcribing of the spoken word or written factual stories reflecting personal or professional histories. Abstract narrative and text-based data reflect the creative art of writing that goes beyond concrete representation and expresses meaning through creativity. Such text creation is defined as arts-based and can be seen in such expressions as creative writing narrative, poetry, and written metaphor. Additional creative/arts-based methods include visual representation, object as data, dance, musical representation, and polyvocal research. Within each of these areas of narrative/text-based and creative/arts-based approaches, we provide examples by describing self-studies using these specific methods.