THA302 — Research Methods and Materials for the Humanities: Lecture Note

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LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Course code: THA 302 Course title: Research Methods and Materials for the Humanities Course credit load: 2 Units List of Series: • Series 1: Foundations of Research in Theatre and Performance • Series 2: Designing and Applying Research Methodologies • Series 3: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches to Data Gathering • Series 4: Exploring Archives, Repositories, and Referencing Practices • Series 5: Proposal Writing, Ethics, and Defending Original Research 1 Foundations of Research in Theatre and Performance Series Outline • Part 1 (1.1): Meaning and Purpose of Research in Theatre and Performance o Sub-Part 1.1.1: Defining Research in the Humanities o Sub-Part 1.1.2: Importance of Research in Theatre and Performance • Part 2 (1.2): Elements of Research and Key Variables o Sub-Part 1.2.1: Core Elements of Research Design o Sub-Part 1.2.2: Identifying and Classifying Variables • Part 3 (1.3): Areas of Research in Theatre and Performance o Sub-Part 1.3.1: Textual and Literary Research o Sub-Part 1.3.2: Performance and Production Research o Sub-Part 1.3.3: Ethnographic and Field Research • Part 4 (1.4): Stating Research Problems, Aims, and Objectives

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS o Sub-Part 1.4.1: Formulating Research Problems o Sub-Part 1.4.2: Writing Clear Aims and Objectives Introduction Research is the foundation of academic inquiry in the humanities, and theatre and performance studies depend on it to preserve traditions, generate new knowledge, and evaluate practices. As a learner, you will discover that research is not simply about gathering information, but about asking meaningful questions and finding systematic ways to answer them. This Series introduces you to the essential principles that underpin scholarly work in theatre and performance. The aim of this Series is to help you define the meaning and purpose of research, identify its elements and variables, explore the diverse areas of theatre research, and develop the ability to state research problems, aims, and objectives with clarity. We shall commence this Series by examining the meaning and purpose of research in theatre and performance. Next, we will explore the elements of research and the key variables that shape inquiry. Following that, we will analyse the different areas of research in theatre and performance, ranging from textual studies to ethnographic approaches. Finally, we will conclude by discussing how to state research problems clearly and formulate aims and objectives that guide scholarly work. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: • SLO 1.1 define research in the humanities and explain its purpose in theatre and performance, • SLO 1.2 identify and describe the core elements of research design, • SLO 1.3 classify and explain different types of variables in research, • SLO 1.4 analyse major areas of research in theatre and performance,

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS • SLO 1.5 formulate clear research problems, • SLO 1.6 write precise aims and objectives for a research study. 1.1 Meaning And Purpose Of Research In Theatre And Performance 1.1.1 Defining research in the humanities Research is a systematic process of investigation, which means a structured and deliberate effort to generate new knowledge or validate existing ideas. In the humanities, research involves exploring human experiences, cultural practices, and creative expressions. Unlike the sciences, it is not confined to laboratory experiments, but focuses on interpretation, analysis, and critical reflection. In theatre and performance, research helps us to ask questions about texts, performances, audiences, and cultural contexts, and to seek answers through structured inquiry. Fill in the blank: Research in the humanities is a systematic process of ______ aimed at generating new knowledge or validating existing ideas. Diagram showing the cycle of research in the humanities (problem identification → data collection → analysis → interpretation → dissemination). Figure 1.1 Research cycle in the humanities

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.1.2 Importance of research in theatre and performance Theatre and performance are dynamic fields that reflect society, culture, and human creativity. Research in theatre and performance refers to the systematic study of plays, performances, production processes, and audience experiences. It is important because it helps scholars and practitioners to preserve traditions, evaluate practices, and innovate new approaches. For example, ethnographic research can document community theatre practices, while textual analysis can reveal deeper meanings in dramatic literature. Fill in the blank: Research in theatre and performance helps scholars and practitioners to ______ traditions, evaluate practices, and innovate new approaches. Pilot questions 1.1 1. Define research in the humanities in your own words. 2. State one reason why research is important in theatre and performance. 3. Fill in the blank: Research in theatre and performance involves the systematic study of ______, performances, production processes, and audience experiences. 4. Identify one research method suitable for documenting community theatre practices. 5. True or False: Research in the humanities is primarily concerned with interpretation, analysis, and reflection rather than laboratory experiments. 1.2 Elements Of Research And Key Variables 1.2.1 Core elements of research design Every research study begins with a research design, which is the structured plan that guides how the study will be conducted. A research design defines the problem, sets objectives, identifies methods, and outlines how data will be collected and analysed. In theatre and performance, this might involve choosing whether to study a script, observe rehearsals, or interview audiences. A clear design ensures that the research remains systematic and purposeful.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Fill in the blank: A research design is the structured ______ that guides how a study will be conducted. 1.2.2 Identifying and classifying variables A variable is any factor, condition, or characteristic that can change or vary in a study. In theatre research, variables may include audience size, performance style, or cultural context. Variables are often classified as independent variables (those manipulated or chosen by the researcher) and dependent variables (those measured to see the effect). Recognising variables helps researchers to organise their study and interpret findings accurately. Fill in the blank: In research, an independent variable is the factor that the researcher ______, while the dependent variable is the factor that is measured. Variable Type Definition Example in Theatre Research Independent Variable The factor that is changed or controlled to test its effects. Choice of performance style (e.g., Naturalism vs. Epic Theatre) Dependent Variable The factor being tested and measured; it changes based on the independent variable. Audience engagement levels (measured via heart rate or surveys) Independent Variable The specific input or environmental condition. Lighting intensity and color temperature

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Variable Type Definition Example in Theatre Research Dependent Variable The outcome or reaction observed by the researcher. Perceived emotional atmosphere (reported by the audience) Table 1.1 Examples of variables in theatre research Pilot questions 1.2 1. Define research design in your own words. 2. State one reason why a clear research design is important. 3. Fill in the blank: A variable is any factor, condition, or ______ that can change in a study. 4. Identify one independent variable that could be studied in theatre research. 5. True or False: Dependent variables are those measured to see the effect of changes in independent variables. 1.3 Areas Of Research In Theatre And Performance 1.3.1 Textual and literary research Textual research focuses on analysing dramatic texts, scripts, and literary works. It involves studying themes, language, structure, and historical context. For example, examining Shakespeare’s plays can reveal insights into Elizabethan society and performance traditions. Fill in the blank: Textual research in theatre involves analysing ______, scripts, and literary works.

LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.3.2 Performance and production research Performance research examines the process of staging and producing theatre, including rehearsals, directing, acting, and stage design. It often involves observing live performances or studying production notes to understand artistic choices and their impact. Fill in the blank: Performance research often involves observing ______ performances or studying production notes. 1.3.3 Ethnographic and field research Ethnographic research uses fieldwork to study theatre in its social and cultural context. This may include documenting community theatre, interviewing participants, or observing rituals and festivals. It provides valuable insights into how theatre functions within communities. Fill in the blank: Ethnographic research uses ______ to study theatre in its social and cultural context. Image of a researcher interviewing actors in a rehearsal space. Plate 1.2 Ethnographic research in theatre practice

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