ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with one such tension in particular—the balance between creativity and control in research. It introduces some ideas particularly that of "creative action" in the belief that they will seriously challenge our preconceptions of what it mean to be a "professional researcher". The chapter argues that many of what might be considered the symptoms of "unprofessional research" are in fact the unacknowledged hallmarks of good research when creative partnership working is a key feature. The descriptions of "field work" will alternate with "back at the ranch" theorizing as people try to create some insights of more general value concerning research process. It may also mean that people need to open up a little, break out of our existing confines—work with artists, poets, performers, for example—and rethink what it means to be "professional"—both for ourselves and, perhaps more importantly, those entering the field.
