Aesthetic Inquiry: An Emerging Qualitative Method

ID: 771 Aesthetic Inquiry: An Emerging Qualitative Method Author Information: Authors List: Presenting Author: Valentina Lucas Additional Author: Judith DellaRipa Additional Author: Barbara Biddle Presenting Author: Valentina S. Lucas Address: 8345 Studley Road Mechanicsville, VA 23116 USA Ph: 804-828-3049 Fax: 804-828-3045 Email: [email protected] Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing Additional Author: Judith A. DellaRipa Address: 451 Lakeway Drive Mechanicsville, VA 23111 USA Ph: 804-683-2895 Fax: Email: [email protected] Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing Additional Author: Barbara Biddle Address: 14507 Woodleigh Drive Chester, VA 23831 USA Ph: 804-765-5675 Fax: Email: [email protected] Institution: Pennsylvania State University Abstract InformationInformation Presentation Preference: SNRS Student Poster Presentation Abstract Categories: Interest Group: Qualitative Thematic Areas: Methods Introduction: Embracing a holistic paradigm, art is being incorporated into nursing research and practice. Aesthetic Inquiry (AI) is an emerging method of qualitative research for examining data available in a variety of creative forms. AI extends beyond the intent of the original artist and is used to enhance expression and communication of inner experiences. Lead by the work of Pellico and Chinn (2007), we developed a novel method to explore shared themes in pieces of artwork. Method(s): Our method for AI provides a framework to explore what the images "say" about the human experience. There are nine steps to the process: (1) Engage in bracketing; (2) compose the researcher's lens; (3) determine whether the art work meets study inclusion criteria; (4) analyze each work of art for selected features and repeating themes or elements; (5) identify elements of significance, (6) return to the data for repeated and confirmatory analyses; (7) identify and synthesize relationships among the themes; (8) return to the data to confirm that the themes are exhaustive and supported, and (9) express the analysis . Results: Each step of this framework for exploring art as a medium of expression will be presented as a method for aesthetic qualitative research.