ABSTRACT
The rhythms of the process of doing research and their impact on researcher and research outcomes are the focus of this chapter. After defining rhythm, I explore research rhythms in terms of speed, intensity, synchrony, predictability, and transitions. Lastly, I consider the overall rhythmic pattern of practice-based research and how these patterns might be composed and orchestrated when planning a research timeline. Insights are drawn from my own experience as a practice-based researcher and from a wide range of practice disciplines, including music, dance, design, and architecture. No matter the discipline, or whether novice or experienced, paying attention to the rhythms of a research process is a perspective valuable for planning ahead, maintaining momentum, and reflecting on the past. A focus on rhythm can also help researchers identify obstacles and understand how to resolve them.
