ABSTRACT
This chapter examines a wide variety of research designs and approaches from across the professional literature of art therapy. There were many excellent reports to choose from; the inclusion of certain studies does not mean there weren't others of equal quality. Some of the work selected is "classic" rather than recent; their content should not be construed as reflecting current report standards or thinking in art therapy. The overall purpose is not to critique the authors but to draw the readers' attention to key elements in their research reports to stimulate thoughtful analysis of art therapy research. For students of research, they may inspire more careful reading or critique of published research. For art therapists conducting research, they will illustrate how others have constructed their studies and their various degrees of success in carrying them out. Each study has been evaluated using the American Educational Research Association (AERA) report standards as a general guide.
