Lecture 11

Participatory Action Research (PAR)

An approach to research that involves participants actively in all phases of the research process, aiming to co-generate knowledge and create positive social change.

Postpositivism

A philosophical stance that emphasizes objective truth and the role of the researcher as an external observer; often criticized for not including participants as active agents.

Kurt Lewin

A founding father of action research methodology, known for his work on social change and participatory processes.

Emancipatory

A characteristic of PAR that seeks to free participants from oppressive social structures, focusing on social justice.

Reflexive

A defining feature of PAR that involves cycles of action and reflection where both researchers and participants evaluate and adjust their practices.

Action Research Spiral

A foundational framework for conducting PAR emphasizing a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.

Five-phase PAR Approach

A structured yet flexible framework for conducting PAR that involves research design, data gathering, data analysis, communication, and action.

WEIRD samples

An acronym for Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic; populations that are often over-represented in research, failing to capture diverse human experiences.

Transformative worldview

A perspective committed to social justice, advocating for the inclusion of underrepresented groups in research processes.

Collaborative inquiry

Research strategies that involve participants in the research process, aimed at mutual benefit and addressing real-world issues.

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is focused on __________ and creating positive social change.

co-generating knowledge.

The philosophical stance that emphasizes objective truth and external observation is called __________.

Postpositivism.

Kurt Lewin is recognized as a founding father of __________ methodology.

action research.

__________ is an essential characteristic of PAR that advocates for social justice.

Emancipatory

A defining feature of PAR that allows for ongoing evaluation and adjustment is known as __________.

Reflexive.

The __________ is a foundational framework that describes the cyclical nature of action research.

Action Research Spiral.

The Five-phase PAR approach involves research design, data gathering, __________, communication, and action.

data analysis.

WEIRD samples refer to populations that are __________ in research studies.

over-represented.

A __________ worldview centers on social justice and inclusion of minority groups in research.

transformative.

Collaborative inquiry aims to involve __________ in the research process for mutual benefit.

participants.

What is the primary goal of Participatory Action Research (PAR)?

To co-generate knowledge and create positive social change.

Who is considered a founding father of action research methodology?

Kurt Lewin.

What does emancipatory mean in the context of PAR?

It refers to seeking to free participants from oppressive social structures.

What is a reflexive approach in PAR?

It involves cycles of action and reflection for continuous improvement.

What framework describes the cyclical process of action research?

The Action Research Spiral.

What are the five phases of the PAR approach?

Research design, data gathering, data analysis, communication, and action.

What does WEIRD stand for?

Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic.

What is the focus of a transformative worldview?

Social justice and inclusion of underrepresented groups.

What is collaborative inquiry aimed at?

Involving participants in research for mutual benefit.

How does postpositivism view the role of the researcher?

As an external observer aiming for objective truth.