LEC 9 participatory Action Research

Question 1

Participatory Action Research (PAR)

Answer 1

A collaborative research approach where researchers and participants work together through all stages of the research process to generate knowledge and create positive social change.

Question 2

Action Research Spiral

Answer 2

A cyclical process in PAR involving planning, acting and observing, reflecting, and revising plans based on the ongoing process.

Question 3

Five-phase PAR Approach

Answer 3

A more detailed PAR framework with distinct phases for setting research questions, building trust, data collection, analysis, and communicating findings.

Question 4

Methodological Coherence

Answer 4

Aligning research methods and data analysis techniques with the research question and the chosen theoretical framework.

Question 5

Theoretical Lens

Answer 5

Using existing theory to guide the research process, data interpretation, and action planning.

Question 6

Interpretive Framework

Answer 6

Applying theory to interpret research findings and develop strategies for action.

Question 7

Defining Features of PAR

Answer 7

“the sum of its individual terms”
Participatory
—–>Researchers and participants are involved in all phases of the research process

Action
—–>Primary goal of research is to create positive change to address injustices

Research
—–>Social process of gathering and asserting knowledge

Question 8

seven key defining features of PAR Kemmis and McTaggart (2008)

Answer 8

1. Social process
2. Participatory
3. Practical and collaborative
4. Emancipatory
5. Critical
6. Reflexive
7. Process to transform both theory and practice
   –PAR studies do not necessarily have to include all seven defining features

Question 9

How then does one evaluate the merits of PAR?

Answer 9

Smith and McGannon (2013) identified characterizing traits that support researchers in making judgements about the quality of research
-Community-driven
-Prolonged engagement and consultation
-Project deliverables

Question 10

Research Process

Answer 10

-No one “right away” to do PAR studies
—>No distinct set of guidelines to follow
-PAR is not a linear process
-Typically conceptualized as a cyclical and iterative (iterative means try doing something, if it’s not right keep trying new things; trial and error) process

Question 11

Two possible processes for engaging in PAR include:

Answer 11

-Action research spiral
-Five-phase PAR approach

Question 12

Action Research Spiral

Answer 12

Working closely with participants, this process involves a spiral of cycles that include:
-Planning
-Acting and observing
-Reflecting

Specifically, researchers will:
-Plan for change
-Act and observe with respect to the change -process and anticipated consequences
-Reflect on such processes and consequences
-Then re-plan, act and observe again, and reflect again

Question 13

Five Phase PAR Approach

Answer 13

Compared to the action research spiral, this approach is more detailed
Frisby and colleagues (2005) outlined a five-phase PAR approach that includes:
-Setting the research question
-Building trust
-Data collection
-Data analysis
-Communicating

The five phases should be constantly negotiated among researchers and participants

Question 14

Data Generation and Data Analysis

Answer 14

-There are no specific measures or processes that must be used in PAR

-Interviews are the most common process for generating data within PAR
-Observations, personal diaries, photographs, and visual artwork can also be used
Data analysis should.
Remember, methodological coherence!

Question 15

Role of Theory in PAR

Answer 15

Theoretical Lens
Interpretive Framework

Theory can play a central role in informing PAR practices and, at the same time, theory can be generated through practice

Question 16

Process for Engaging Underrepresented Populations in Research

Answer 16

Those who may be weary of traditional research approaches may be drawn to PAR because of its defining features
Participatory
Collaborative
Transformative

Question 17

Establishing and Nurturing Relationships

Answer 17

Establishing and maintenance of trust and relationships are central to the success of PAR

Question 18

Ensuring Ongoing Participant Collaboration

Answer 18

Researchers who engage in PAR try to foster a sense of shared ownership and control of research processes and outcomes
—–>Ensuring that participants are active;ly engaged throughout the research process can be challenging.

Contributions of researchers and participants may vary depending on the specific phase of the research
—->Critical to acknowledge that the researchers and participants have differing expertise and interests

Question 19

Identifying Action

Answer 19

Researchers should be aware that action can occur on various levels, from individual-level action to broader societal or policy-level action

Question 20

How does the “Five-phase PAR Approach” differ from the “Action Research Spiral”?

Answer 20

The “Five-phase PAR Approach” is more detailed than the spiral, outlining phases for setting research questions, building trust, data collection, analysis, and communication. It emphasizes constant negotiation between researchers and participants throughout these phases.

Question 21

What are some commonly used methods for generating data in PAR studies?

Answer 21

Common data generation methods in PAR include interviews, observations, personal diaries, photographs, and visual artwork, often focusing on qualitative data.