Lecture 11

Week 12: Participatory Action Research

Learning Outcomes

• Summarize defining features of participatory action research (PAR).

• Apply a participatory action research design.

• Justify PAR as a respectful approach for engaging with underrepresented populations.

• Assess challenges inherent in engaging in PAR.

Introduction to Participatory Action Research (PAR)

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a collaborative research methodology that empowers communities by involving them actively in the research process. Unlike traditional approaches where participants are passive subjects, PAR promotes co-production of knowledge where all stakeholders contribute to understanding and addressing local issues directly affecting them. This engagement facilitates social action and enhances community capacity.

Key Aspects of PAR

• Community Engagement:

  • PAR emphasizes equal power dynamics, ensuring that community expertise is consistently valued.

  • Communities are viewed not only as subjects but as partners whose knowledge and skills inform research. This cooperative effort leads to more relevant and impactful outcomes.

• Response to Traditional Research:

  • Traditional research methods often foster distrust among communities, as they can feel disconnected from the realities of the participants.

  • PAR strategically addresses this fallacy by integrating community voices and lived experiences directly into the research process.

• Philosophical Commitment:

  • PAR is anchored in social justice principles and advocates for transformative social changes aimed at improving the conditions of marginalized or underrepresented populations.

Visual Representation: Comparison of PAR and Traditional Research

Transformative Worldviews in PAR

Researchers engaging in PAR maintain a transformative perspective, focusing on advocating for historically marginalized communities. This transformative outlook focuses on the underlying structures that perpetuate inequality and seeks solutions that amplify the agency and voice of those impacted.Engaging participants is critical for understanding their unique challenges and actively collaborating with them on solutions. Contexts, such as kinesiology and public health, illustrate PAR's commitment to improving access to sport and physical activity for diverse populations.

Characteristics of PAR

The process of PAR is unique and emerging, characterized by:

• Collaboration:

  • Researchers and community members work together throughout the research process, forming a cooperative environment.

• Co-generating Knowledge:

  • Knowledge is developed collectively rather than imposed from above, promoting a sense of ownership among participants.

• Practical Outcomes:

  • The research seeks direct outcomes with actionable steps that address and resolve social issues relevant to the community.

Action Research (AR) Framework

Both PAR and Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) fall under the Action Research (AR) umbrella. The AR movement, beginning in the 1970s, arose as practitioners began to question traditional methodologies that frequently detached participants from the research process.

Historical Background

Kurt Lewin is a foundational figure in AR, advocating for research methods that reflect lived realities and promote social change through active participation. His work emphasizes that research should develop from the context in which it occurs, fostering a collaborative approach in all facets of inquiry.

Methodology and Methods in PAR

PAR adopts a mixed-methods approach, incorporating various qualitative and quantitative techniques. This flexibility allows the research to adapt to community-specific contexts while ensuring the relevance of its findings.

Common Methodologies Include:

Defining Features of PAR

Kemmis and McTaggart have identified seven key features of PAR that underline its process and impact:

Engaging Underrepresented Populations

PAR is distinct by valuing community input and active participation, particularly in collaboration with marginalized or underrepresented populations. This community-centric approach counters limitations typically seen in research influenced by WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) perspectives, allowing for a more inclusive understanding of the issues affecting these groups.

Opportunities and Challenges in PAR

While PAR can significantly empower communities, it also presents several challenges, including:

• Trust Building:

  • Establishing trust is essential but can take time, which may impact the effectiveness of PAR if not addressed adequately.

• Participant Collaboration:

  • Variability in engagement among community members can lead to power imbalances or unequal contributions in the research process.

• Identifying Action Initiatives:

  • Clear articulation of achievable actions is necessary; the connection between these actions and research outcomes must be made explicit.

Research Process in PAR

The research process in PAR is dynamic, non-linear, and continuously adjusts to meet participant needs and community contexts.

Action Research Spiral

A key framework in PAR, introduced by Kurt Lewin, follows a cyclical process made up of three phases:

1. Planning: Develop action plans collaboratively based on participant input, ensuring that all voices are included.

2. Acting and Observing: Implement plans, continuously monitoring outcomes while being open to adjustments.

3. Reflecting and Revising: Evaluate results, revising approaches seamlessly through feedback loops with participants.

This iterative cycle continues until research goals are satisfactorily achieved, emphasizing the importance of adaptability.

Five-phase PAR Approach

This structured methodology encompasses five key phases that provide clarity and organization within the research process:

Data Generation and Analysis

PAR methods can implement both qualitative techniques (interviews, focus groups, diaries) or quantitative methods (surveys) to collect and analyze data effectively. By allowing flexibility in method selection, PAR ensures that research responds proactively to community needs while addressing the defined research questions.

Role of Theory in PAR

Theoretical frameworks shape research practices, illuminating how injustices are challenged and how findings are interpreted. Theory is vital to enhance the relevance of outcomes, ensuring that research contributes to actionable strategies fostering sustainable social change.

Final Note

PAR serves as a transformative methodology that prioritizes collaboration and active community engagement in social science research. It positions itself as a respectful and effective alternative to conventional research methodologies, making it particularly relevant in today’s research landscape, where inclusivity and community empowerment are increasingly recognized as critical components of effective inquiry.

Study Questions

1. In what ways is PAR transformative?

2. How can theory be utilized effectively in PAR?

3. Why is PAR considered an ideal approach for engaging underrepresented populations in kinesiology research?

Recommended Readings

• Brydon-Miller et al. (2011). Jazz and the banyan tree: Roots and riffs on participatory action research.

• Frisby et al. (2005). Putting 'participatory' into participatory forms of action research.

• Kemmis & McTaggart (2008). Participatory action research: Communicative action and the public sphere.