The Methodological Dilemma

Gallagher, Kathleen. (Ed.). (2008). London and New York: Routledge.

Introduction (pp. 1-8)
Gallagher takes a constructionist perspective, writing, "Through our research and the choices we make, we imagine the world in ever more complex and interesting ways and re-commit ourselves to our intellectual and political projects. But we also risk our comfortable norms and truth claims each time we seek understanding" (pp. 1-2).

In the same vein, she argues that "researchers can mobilize theory [sic], in creative ways, to think through the 'pragmatics' of method" (p. 2). Thus she calls for unfettering our imagination for creative methods.

The Art of Methodology: A Collaborative Science (pp 67-81)

Gallagher proposes participatory research methods as a dialectical exchange between science and art. She argues that such exchange is indispensable in social sciences and humanities research, insinuating a potential for research that is politically engaged as well as pedagogically useful.