Methodology

I first described one of the methodologies that i will be employing during the project in my research proposal as follows:

Two different methodologies will be applied to achieve the aim of this project, one of which is practice-based research. (the other is discussed in the post 'Subjective Listening Test')  In order to compare the two proposed 5.1 production techniques the researcher will first have to become competent in using both techniques to record live events. This will be achieved through practical research on both techniques. Throughout the project the researcher will be compiling a portfolio filled with live music recordings, utilizing both 5.1 microphone techniques and upmixing techniques. It is important to note that some of the recordings in this portfolio will not be performed in front of a crowd, but are merely for the purpose of research and practicing to become as skilled as possible in using both techniques within the project’s time frame. The final artifacts that will be used in the subjective listening test however will be of music events that the general public can access in order to produce realistic pieces of media.

The creation of this portfolio will allow the researcher to be able to define what is involved during the process of utilizing both techniques. Defining the process of both techniques will enable the researcher to gain and develop the necessary skills to create well-produced media artifacts to test against numerous subjects. Practical based research will be used throughout the duration of this project to gain and develop the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to produce the appropriate pieces of media that enable the testing of two different 5.1 Surround Sound production techniques. 

Feedback from my lecturer (Robin Sloan) states that this research method is inappropriate for my research project and cannot be defined as a research method:

"The listening test component of the research is appropriate as it addresses the research aim. More problematic is the practice-based aspect of the research. As discussed in the lectures, practice-based research is not 'practice-as-usual' and certainly not concerned with technical skill development. Practice-based research is iterative, creative practice leading to the development of art or design artefacts that explore a topic or theme. Your practice appears to concern the recording of live music - not the iterative composition or experimental design of music. It is not implied that you will seek to develop experimental systems or recording techniques, but to learn how to apply techniques that exist. In this case, this cannot be considered a research method, but the generation of stimlui for your test."

Taking into consideration this feedback i decided to research into the definition of practise based research and i found an article which studies and characterises practise based research:

Linda Candy, CCS Report: 2006-V1.0 November, Practice Based Research: A Guide, University of Technology Sydney

Candy opens the article by defining two different research methods; Practise-based Research and Practice-led Research. She describes that if art/artefacts are the basis of the research then it is practice based:

" Practice-based Research is an original investigation undertaken in order to gain new

knowledge partly by means of practice and the outcomes of that practice. In a doctoral thesis,

claims of originality and contribution to knowledge may be demonstrated through creative

outcomes in the form of designs, music, digital media, performances and exhibitions. Whilst

the significance and context of the claims are described in words, a full understanding can

only be obtained with direct reference to the outcomes." Candy, 2006

She also describes practice-led research as follows:

" Practice-led Research is concerned with the nature of practice and leads to new knowledge that has operational significance for that practice. In a doctoral thesis, the results of practice-led research may be fully described in text form without the inclusion of a creative work. The primary focus of the research is to advance knowledge about practice, or to advance knowledge within practice. Such research includes practice as an integral part of its method and often falls within the general area of action research." Candy, 2006

After reading this it is clear that practice-based research cannot be classed as a research method in this project. My project is based around the comparison of two production techniques, thus is concerned with the process of utilising these techniques or in other words their "operational significance". It is for this reason that in fact my project will not be employing practise-based research methods but practise-led research methods.