Brown, Nicole; Ergül, Hakan; (2024) Social Fiction as a close-to-practice research approach. (Close to Practice Conference ). Nottingham Trent University: Nottingham, UK.

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Abstract

Context: Close-to-practice research in educational settings has evolved through various approaches, such as practice-led research, practice-based enquiry, and close-to-practice research. These methodologies emphasize the active involvement of researchers within their own practices, blending research, teaching, and activism. The trend towards using creative and arts-based methods in social sciences and education has led to new forms of inquiry and dissemination. This research situates itself within these developments by exploring Social Fiction as a unique form of close-to-practice research that integrates these roles. Aims: The study aims to explore Social Fiction as a method for integrating and reflecting on the varied roles of academic life, such as teaching, research, and creative expression. The objective is to provide a platform for academic dialogue that addresses the complexities and challenges researchers face when using Social Fiction. The initiative seeks to understand how Social Fiction can challenge existing academic and methodological norms, encourage deeper engagement with societal issues, and foster a more inclusive and reflexive research community.// Methods: The research involved a writing group where participants, including the authors, engaged in creating and sharing Social Fiction pieces. These narratives were used as a method to reflect critically on their professional roles and the issues encountered in educational and research settings. The process of writing, sharing, and revising fiction pieces was central to the methodology, merging data generation with analysis. This approach was coupled with regular group meetings to discuss and refine the narratives.// Findings: Participants reported that creating and sharing Social Fiction pieces allowed them to grapple with issues of voice, truth, and representation in a way that traditional research methods do not always permit. The exercise revealed common struggles with these issues and highlighted the potential of Social Fiction to provide new ways of expressing and understanding complex social realities. It was noted that while fictionalizing could risk distorting participants' experiences, it also offered a means to protect vulnerable subjects and engage more deeply with the unspeakable aspects of human experience.// Implications: The study suggests that Social Fiction offers a valuable addition to close-to-practice research by enabling a more nuanced and creative engagement with social issues. It challenges traditional boundaries between research and creative practice, proposing a more integrated and holistic approach. The findings also suggest that Social Fiction can empower researchers and participants by providing alternative avenues for expressing marginalized voices and experiences, thereby contributing to a more dynamic and inclusive research community.

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