An exploration into qualitative research in music therapy

Abstract

Research in music therapy presents a challenge as the researcher is faced with the task of both discerning artistic qualities such as creativity and improvisation, which are the essence of clinical work, and communicating those often ineffable features to other professionals in a coherent and well-defined manner. The question of whether this goal will best be met by using quantitative or qualitative research methods has been actively debated in the field of the creative arts therapies for the past ten years. Although the impact of this debate has had an influence on therapists, educators and researchers, the issues are far from resolved and demand continued dialogue. Certainly the perspective of this author and researcher, having recently moved from the academic environment to the medical model mainstream where most creative arts therapists work, is that there is a great need for continued dialogue about the reasons for and possible applications of qualitative research options. The purpose of this article is threefold: (a) to discuss the concept of qualitative research and the arguments for utilizing such research, (b) to present specific research topics and possible research methods that can be applied, and (c) to demonstrate how utilizing qualitative research may enable us to examine and further understand the often complex and enigmatic aspects of our clinical practice that cannot adequately be addressed by quantitative research. It is important to stress that this discussion and presentation of arguments for using qualitative research does not imply a rejection of the more traditional quantitative research. It is rather an expression of a need for additional and alternative ways to study aspects of the music therapy experience that, it is hoped, will bring new insight and understanding to our clinical experiences. The concept of qu~itative research has been explored in other fields-education, nursing and psychology. Bogdan and Biklen (1982) have discussed five main characteristics of qualitative research: (a) that the natural setting as opposed to the laboratory is used for research; (b) that research is essentially descriptive in nature, discussed in words rather than numbers; (c) that researchers are focused on process rather than product; (d) that data are treated inductively; and (e) that meaning rather than truth is of utmost impo~ance (pp. 27-29). With this definition in hand what reasons are there for pursuing this style of research?