Why participatory research? Guest editors’ introduction

Working together to reduce health inequalities reflections on a collaborative participatory approach to health research

“…10 This is closely related to 'action research' which must, by definition, involve not only research and a high level of community participation, but also action to improve their situation. [5][6][7] A number of authors, 11,12 argue that 'action research' has become too broad a term -largely because of its use in workplace and industrial settings, where workplace harmony and improved productivity are the goals of the research, rather than empowerment of the workers. 13,14 The term 'participatory action research' is often used to describe a more politically authentic action research.…”

“…32 People from disadvantaged communities may not have the confidence, interest, time or energy to participate in research. 12,32,37,38 A potential danger of collaborative participatory research lies in the risk of co-option and the exploitation of people in agendas and processes that are determined by the researchers. 23,[39][40][41] The more capable or competent members of disenfranchised groups may be exploited because they speak the local language or understand the local culture or subculture.…”

The Library-Community Convergence Framework for Community Action: Libraries as Catalysts of Social Change

“…Often practiced under different names-action research, collaborative research, community-based research, amongst others-PAR manifestations with their specific nuanced variations of application, share the following common over-arching threads (Stoecker and Bonacich, 1992):…”

The East Side Village Health Worker Partnership: integrating research with action to reduce health disparities

“…These principles encourage the active participation and influence of community members and representatives of the partner organizations in all major phases of research and intervention. 23,24,[30][31][32][33] This model of research and action brings together participants who represent a variety of perspectives and experiences to contribute to and learn from each others' theories and experiences and to plan, implement, and evaluate actions taken to address identified concerns. 24,[33][34][35][36] VHWs involved in the Partnership are residents of the east side of Detroit.…”

“…23,24,[30][31][32][33] This model of research and action brings together participants who represent a variety of perspectives and experiences to contribute to and learn from each others' theories and experiences and to plan, implement, and evaluate actions taken to address identified concerns. 24,[33][34][35][36] VHWs involved in the Partnership are residents of the east side of Detroit. In keeping with the literature on lay health advisors, [37][38][39] many were invited to participate on the basis of their identification by community members or organizations as people who are considered trustworthy, competent problem solvers to whom others turn for advice and support.…”