HMPYC 80 –
Research Methodology
Section E – Chapter 23 –
Participatory Research
, 1. Introduction:
► Participatory research involves a complex coalescence of science and practice where
participants take on the roles of Co researchers who interpret and evaluate the issues at
hand.
► Participatory research is considered an effective way to design localized, multi sectoral
responses to the wicked problems of our time.
- In participatory research, goals are centered on shifting power relationships to dismantle
oppressive structures, reducing inequities, or resolving social injustices.
► Since participatory research is rooted in solving issues identified by those most greatly
affected, it is particularly valuable encountering challenges with cross cultural, indigenized
or transnational research.
- Diverse partnerships can be formed with an underlying premise of working together to
redistribute power to ' the margins’.
2. Complex Factors of
Participation in Research:
2.1. Defining Participatory Research:
► Participatory research is characterized by emergent designs as alternatives to many of the
top down, linear options that typify traditional research.
► Various terms are used by authors to capture the subtle differences between different types
of participatory research, including action research, participatory action research,
collaborative research and community-based research.
- This type of research has its roots in action research, however, and it has come a long
way since psychologist, Kurt Lewin first coined the term in 1946.
► There has initially been a slow movement towards using the term action research, but at its
core it is regarded as research leading to social action, involving steps composed as a
cycle of planning, taking action, observing and reflecting.
► In action research the evidence (research) about and solutions (action) to concrete
problems occur simultaneously.
- You (as researcher) and the participants are therefore equally (but not necessarily evenly)
involved in the process and take equal responsibility for the outcome of the research
endeavor.
► In participatory action research, the emphasis is on the participation and involvement of all
key role plays.
- This research is committed to social justice and equity, especially in powerless and
disenfranchised communities.
Research Methodology
Section E – Chapter 23 –
Participatory Research
, 1. Introduction:
► Participatory research involves a complex coalescence of science and practice where
participants take on the roles of Co researchers who interpret and evaluate the issues at
hand.
► Participatory research is considered an effective way to design localized, multi sectoral
responses to the wicked problems of our time.
- In participatory research, goals are centered on shifting power relationships to dismantle
oppressive structures, reducing inequities, or resolving social injustices.
► Since participatory research is rooted in solving issues identified by those most greatly
affected, it is particularly valuable encountering challenges with cross cultural, indigenized
or transnational research.
- Diverse partnerships can be formed with an underlying premise of working together to
redistribute power to ' the margins’.
2. Complex Factors of
Participation in Research:
2.1. Defining Participatory Research:
► Participatory research is characterized by emergent designs as alternatives to many of the
top down, linear options that typify traditional research.
► Various terms are used by authors to capture the subtle differences between different types
of participatory research, including action research, participatory action research,
collaborative research and community-based research.
- This type of research has its roots in action research, however, and it has come a long
way since psychologist, Kurt Lewin first coined the term in 1946.
► There has initially been a slow movement towards using the term action research, but at its
core it is regarded as research leading to social action, involving steps composed as a
cycle of planning, taking action, observing and reflecting.
► In action research the evidence (research) about and solutions (action) to concrete
problems occur simultaneously.
- You (as researcher) and the participants are therefore equally (but not necessarily evenly)
involved in the process and take equal responsibility for the outcome of the research
endeavor.
► In participatory action research, the emphasis is on the participation and involvement of all
key role plays.
- This research is committed to social justice and equity, especially in powerless and
disenfranchised communities.
