Research Methodology

Research Methodology

Due to the practical nature of the chosen topic, the research conducted to develop this research report is based on the methods of action research. Action research is conducted through the ongoing cycle of planning, action, observation and reflection based on an open-ended question or research idea. In this research report, I gathered information in an attempt to answer the following question: How to use Organic Contemporary Jewellery as Metaphoric Interpretations of My Personal Experiences? The research was conducted through the following methods:

Planning

1. Information was gathered to define the following terms relating to the research question.

·         Contemporary jewellery.

·         Functions of jewellery.

·         Positions of jewellery.

·         Organic and movement jewellery.

·         Metaphor, signs and symbols.

2. Information based on other jewellery artists creating similar types of jewellery was collected. I looked into the styles, techniques and meanings behind the jewellery pieces created by these jewellers:

·         Beth Legg.

·         Kelly Jean Conroy.

·         Helen Shirk.

·         Victoria Walker.

·         Sharon Church.

3. In the creation of my jewellery pieces, I used the following methods to plan my designs.

·         I collected and dissected plants to study their structures, of which I used in my designs.

·         I drew sketches of the plants that I was using for inspiration in order to understand their structures.

·         I drew jewellery designs on paper prior to the manufacturing of prototypes and final pieces.

Action

1. I created the following:

·         prototypes.

·         final jewellery pieces.

·         free writing.

·         poems.

Observation

1. I observed the prototype pieces that I created in order to improve their designs in the creation of final pieces.
2. I observed the jewellery pieces that I created and I wrote down the words that came to my mind; describing my observation of the jewellery pieces; in the form of free writing. 
3. I observed the pages of free writing and extracted significant words and phrases.

Reflection

1. after I made prototype pieces, I reflected over them in order to improve the designs that lead to the creation of final pieces.
2. I reflected over the poems that I created from the free writing pages in order to find the meanings of the jewellery pieces.