Kutenai Art Therapy Institute

KATI 10: Art Therapy Research:
Qualitative Methods

78 Hours, 4 Credits
(for each year, 1^st & 2^nd)
and
Thesis: 15 hours, 5 credits

Description:

This course orients students to the spectrum of qualitative research approaches, methodology, and related issues. The course will examine which research methodology applies to each student’s thesis. There will be a focus on critical thinking, developing an outline for the project and developing case studies as a research method.

Instructor: Monica Carpendale, Lucille Proulx & Marsha Early.

Thesis readers[1]: Heather Cameron, Monica Carpendale, Marsha Early, Jacqueline Fehlner, Lani Gerity, Christine Lummis, Lucille Proulx.

Format:

Experiential art therapy group offered in both intensive units and as a weekly group. An intensive group focusing on dream work is offered every year. Personal case studies will be presented in the last week of the May intensives each year.

Learning Objectives:

To examine different approaches to qualitative research.
To organize and create an outline for a research paper or major project.
To learn the basic skills required for a critical analysis of research papers.
To develop a phenomenological case study.
To develop case studies as qualitative research.

Texts:

Higgins, Robin. Approaches to Case--Study: A Handbook for Those Entering the Therapeutic Field.

Higgins, Robin. (1996) Approaches to Research: A Handbook for those writing a dissertation. Jessica Kingsley Pub., London.

Van Manen, Max. (1990) Researching Lived Experience. Althouse Press, London, Ont.

Schaverien, Joy. (1993) The Retrospective Review of Pictures: Data for Research in Art Therapy. Handbook of Inquiry in the Arts Therapies: One River, Many Currents. Helen Payne (ed). London: Jessica Kingsley.

Recommended Readings:

Gilroy, Andrea and Colin Lee. (1995) Art and Music Therapy and Research. London: Routledge.

Hitchcock, Scott E. The Body as Testament: A Phenomenological Case Study of an Adult Woman who Self Mutilates. The Arts in Psychotherapy, Vol. 26 (3) pp. 149-164.

Howard, Leslie. () The Creative Process: A Heuristic Blueprint for Training, Research,

and Practice. California Art Therapy Trends. Evelyn Virshup (ed)

Kidd, Sunnie D. and James W. Kidd. (1990) Experiential Method: Qualitative Research in the Humanities Using Metaphysics and Phenomenology. New York: Peter Lang Pub. Inc.

McNiff, Shaun. (1998) Art-Based Research. London: Jessica Kingsley Pub.

Wadeson, Harriet ed. (1992) A Guide to Conducting Art Therapy Research. Illinois: The American Art Therapy Association.

Assignments and Evaluation:

Year 1: 2 case studies (40%) analysis of a thesis (20%); take home assignment (20%); readings and participation (20%).

2 case studies (Dec. & May). Case studies are to be typed and documented with slides or digital images. These case studies are to be presented in class and the written copy available for marking at the time of the presentation.
An analysis of a written thesis from the KATI library. (4 pages) Please note that this paper is to be an analysis of the research method and structure.
A take home exam on research methods.

Year 2: 2 case studies (40%), outline of thesis (20%); presentation of thesis outline (20%); participation in discussion (20%).

1. A proposal for the major project or thesis. This should include an outline & bibliography. It will also be presented. See handouts for format and content.

2. Two case studies to be presented as qualitative research.

3. Thesis: Individual work with a thesis committee (maximum of 3 advisors). Estimated 3 reads and revisions.

[1] Please note: Students entering this course are expected to be able to write a clear research paper using good grammar, spelling and APA documentation. It is the student’s responsibility to hire a writing tutor if he or she requires assistance in these areas. The project advisor’s role is to work with the student to develop ideas, theory and structure. The advisor is not your technical editor. Papers will be returned unread if these standards are not met.