Practice-related research comprises a wide range of methods. These include:

1. Practice-as-Research: The research consists entirely of the creative practice, and the creative artefact is the embodiment of the new knowledge. This method places emphasis on creative exploration and innovation in the given artistic practice.
2. Practice and Research: This method entails practice-as-research for the creative practice, and critical analysis of others’ creative artefacts. While the researcher’s creative artefacts and critical analyses are disseminated separately, knowledge and insights gained from the creative practice often informs the critical explorations. 
3. Practice-Led Research: The research leads primarily to new understandings about practice. This method focuses on the nature of creative practice, leading to new knowledge of operational significance for that practice, in order to advance knowledge about or within practice. The results of practice-led research may be communicated in a critical exegesis without inclusion of the creative artefact, though the creative practice is an integral part of the research. (See Candy 2006.)
4. Practice-Based Research: The creative artefact is the basis of the contribution to knowledge. This method is applied to original investigations seeking new knowledge through practice and its outcomes. Claims of originality are demonstrated through the creative artefacts, which include musical performances, musical recordings, fiction, scripts, digital media, games, film, dramatic performances, poetry, translation, and other forms of creative practice. The creative artefact is accompanied by a critical discussion of the significance and context of the claims, and a full understanding can only be achieved through the cohesive presentation of the creative artefact and the critical exegesis. (See Candy 2006.)

Thus practice-related research is considered a valid research methodology for questions about creative practice and development of knowledge related to creativity, media, musicology, performance, theatre & drama, writing, film production, translation, and more.

This guide focuses on practice-based research, though the methodologies and exercises may also be helpful with practice-led research.