Research in Art Education as a Form of Educational Consumer Protection

Abstract

An examination of art education research is undertaken on the assumption that having an adequate research base is important if informed educational decisions are to be made. The purposes of this paper are to focus attention on the reality-constructing nature of art education research, on the need for research agendas supportive of diverse approaches and alternative interpretations, and on the importance of incorporating in research studies self-critical components that acknowledge biases and limitations. To examine the ways in which research both proceeds from sociopolitical assumptions and, in turn, shapes our perceptions of the field and guides actions, the following are discussed: (1) art education research trends, (2) the sociopolitical nature of research, (3) prescriptions for research within a critical perspective, and (4) research deficiencies in art education.