An invitation to performative research

Across the social sciences there has been a growing interest in arts-based and performative methodologies. Over the past decade we have created a number of research based performances utilising songs, poems and stories. Alongside these, we have also begun to explore the potential of this work through conducting further research which analyses responses from different audiences (lay and academic) to each performance. In this article we reflect some of the core reasons that underscore performative methodologies. The case we progress is that performative methodologies provide (a) a different way of ‘coming to know,’ (b) inclusive form of representation, (c) an experience, (d) a blurring the self-other divide, and (e) an alternative vision.

We hope the discussion fosters a continued interest in and a greater understanding of what performative approaches might contribute as well as providing an invitation to others explore the potential of performative methodologies within their own research practice.