Though quantitative research is considered more valid and legitimate, qualitative is the method that most are therapist use because of its natural relationship to art therapy. Qualitative and quantitative research appear to be at opposite ends of the continuum in research styles. Qualitative case study research and phenomenological research are two styles of qualitative research that I feel are most used in art therapy.
Works Cited
Carolan, R. (2001). Models and paradigms of art therapy research. Art Therapy: Journal Of The American Art Therapy Association, 18(4), 190-206.
Kapitan, L. (2007). Will art therapy cross the digital culture divide?. Art Therapy: Journal Of The American Art Therapy Association, 24(2), 50-51.
Long, C. (2014). Qualitative Research in Creative Art therapy: Long: Lesson 2, Jan, 30, 2014.
Long, C. (2014). Qualitative Research in Creative Art therapy, Sullivan:Lesson 2,, Feb. 1,. 2014.
Metzi, E. S. (2008). Systematic analysis of art therapy research published in art therapy: Journal of AATA between 1987 and 2004. The Arts In Psychotherapy, 35(1), 60-73. doi:10.1016/j.aip.2007.09.003
Wheeler, B. L. (2005). Music Therapy Research (Second Edition). Gilsum, NH: Barcelona