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Story Arcs
A one-year project partnering with StoryArcs to explore the problem of persuasion in researchStory Arcs: Project Conclusion
The Story Arcs project, led by our Story Associate Anna Ploszajski, has now come to an end. Over the past year, Anna has worked in partnership with UKRN and StoryArcs to explore the challenge of persuasion in research and the way research narratives shape understanding.
Reflecting on the Research ‘Problem’
Research reports often present a simplified version of reality, smoothing over the complexities, failures, and uncertainties that are inherent to the research process. While this approach can make research findings more persuasive, it may also be misleading and exclude alternative perspectives.
The challenge lies in the fact that different stakeholders—authors, editors, journals, publishers, and funders—may disagree on whether this is a problem, how to define it, or what the solutions might be. This makes it a ‘wicked’ problem: difficult to define and impossible to fully resolve. However, that does not mean it should be ignored.
Exploring the Problem through Storytelling
Through this project, UKRN collaborated with the AHRC StoryArcs programme at Bath Spa University to examine this issue through the lens of storytelling. Our Story Associate, Anna Ploszajski, used story skills to investigate potential creative solutions and explore new ways to frame research narratives.
Key questions we explored included:
- How can centering the ‘Story’, prompt creative possible solutions?
- How can looking at the problem through the stories told, help us to share, test and develop new approaches?
The work took the form of a podcast series, called ‘Storyology’. In these podcasts, Anna has heard from people across the research system about the ways in which research stories are implicated in their work. She heard from researchers, of course, but also publishers, funders, communications professionals, journalists and others. The result is a set of podcasts that shine a light on both the positive and the problematic ways in which narrative strategies affect research and the extent to which it is both trustworthy and trusted. This has been an example of how humanities scholarship and professional practice can contribute to research improvement. The links to the podcast series are:
Looking Ahead
Throughout the project, we shared insights and reflections on the role of storytelling in academic research. Anna Ploszajski’s initial thoughts, captured in Unmasking research’s unreliable narrator to harness the power of storytelling, laid the groundwork for these discussions.
Although this project has now concluded, the questions it raised remain highly relevant. We encourage researchers, institutions, and stakeholders to continue reflecting on the power of storytelling in research and how it shapes understanding, trust, and impact.
We extend our thanks to all who participated, contributed, and engaged with Story Arcs.
