Participatory action research as a research approach: advantages, limitations and criticisms

Abstract

PurposeHow can people with lived experiences of marginalisation actively participate in contesting their marginalisation? This article aims to review the literature on PAR as a research approach. It will first describe what PAR means and consider this approach's particular features. The paper will go on to explore the advantages, limitations and criticisms of this approach to research.Design/methodology/approachHow can people with lived experiences of marginalisation actively participate in contesting their marginalisation? The approach of this paper is to provide needed viewpoint discussion on Participatory Action Research (PAR) advantages, limitations and criticisms. PAR is mostly a qualitative research approach that takes account of researchers and participants collaborating to investigate social issues and take actions to bring about social change.FindingsThe aim of (PAR) is to systematically collect and analyse data to take action and make a change by generating practical knowledge. However, PAR as an approach to research has advantages and disadvantages. Also, PAR as an approach can be a problematic tool for facilitators and communities to apply due to power relations within the research process. However, PAR can help the praxis of collective critical consciousness of the participation and democratisation of participants presented in studies where this approach is used. Although a PAR approach can be an unknown and challenging tool, it is a path through which communities can explore their society and ignite to change it.Originality/valueThis paper provides a discussion of the critical consciousness value of PAR that seeks to bring academics, researchers and practitioners to the approach to primarily qualitative research methodology that should be understood with advantages, limitations (ethical challenges) and criticisms.

Implementation of Project PIC (Pragmatic, Ideological, and Charismatic) in improving the leadership style of senior high school teachers in Gallanosa National High School

“…According to Vaughn and Jacquez (2020), participatory action research (PAR) is a way of assisting researchers to engage the study topic more meaningfully, which can produce relevant, meaningful research findings that can be converted into action. However, due to power dynamics within the research process, PAR as an approach can be a difficult tool for facilitators and communities to use (De Oliveira, 2023). As a result, the researchers ensured that all processes were well coordinated between all parties involved, including participants, department heads, school administrators, and the superintendent.…”

Homelessness and Mental Illness: Using Participatory Action Research to Inform Mental Health Counseling

“…One of these is that the role of sponsoring organizations may influence researchers to choose sides, consciously or not, often in favor of the interests of the sponsor (David, 2002). Another consideration is that, despite PAR's goal of leveling the field with respect to power, researchers must make decisions about the project itself, interpretation of its outcomes, and the use of language when reporting the research (De Oliveira, 2023;Healey, 2001).…”

Qualitative Research Methodology in Social Sciences

“…Participatory action research (PAR) is a special kind of community-based action research in which there is collaboration between the study participants and the researcher in all steps of the study: determining the problem, the research methods to use, the analysis of data, and how the study results will be used (Daepp et al, 2022;De Oliveira, 2023;Rumsey et al, 2022). The participants and the researcher work together throughout the entire study.…”