Practicing participatory action research.

Abstract

This article provides an overview of several core theoretical and practical aspects of participatory action research (PAR). An effort is made to define PAR and the types of work that fall under that rubric. Historical underpinnings, roles of the individuals involved, contexts, methods, and the challenges and benefits of this mode of inquiry are discussed. The authors argue that the approach and mindset of the researcher, referred to here as a type of "attitude," are key in the development of a successful and genuine participatory process. The authors situate PAR methodology within psychology and, more specifically, propose it as an approach to knowing that has the potential to make significant contributions in areas relevant to counseling psychology.

The Indigenous Resiliency Project: a worked example of community-based participatory research

“…19 Semi-structured interview schedules were developed in the research training and development workshop held at each site. This meant that the peer researchers and health service staff shaped the question content and the way questions were to be asked.…”

“…Instead, each project 'is a custom job', with the local projects recognising diversity by developing in response to the priorities -and capacities -of the local community and health service. 19 …”

A Tool and Process that Facilitate Community Capacity Building and Social Learning for Natural Resource Management

“…Participatory action research approaches are constructivist, dialogical, and proactive, attempting to centralize participant and researcher values (Kidd and Kral 2005). Participatory action research differs significantly from some other research approaches in that it is not extractive, i.e., researchers are not "experts" who study their subjects and then go away to write their papers, but rather are co-participants-experiencing a problem situation or phenomenon in order to better understand it and to assist in changing it (Baum et al 2006).…”

Life “Is like Aspiration, like Motion”: Adolescent’s Existential Themes

“…Tyrimo specifiškumas sąlygojo veiklos tyrimo dalyvaujant pasirinkimą (angl. Participatory Action Research), kuris gali būti apibūdinamas kaip suvokimas, abipusis įsitraukimas, pokytis ir procesas, skatinantis asmeninį augimą (Kidd, Kral, 2005 Tyrimui buvo taikoma mišri dalyvių atranka, pagal patogumo principą, kai "tyrimui parenkami asmenys, kuriuos yra lengva rasti" (Kardelis, 2007, p. 325) ir "sniego gniūžtės" atranka, kai pagal patogumo principą atrinkti keli asmenys nurodo kitus, turinčius analogiškų savybių ar pan. (Kardelis, 2007, p. 327).…”