I have never thought of research as something that I am interested in. Quite the opposite, in fact. I have always thought of research as something you DO TO people, and this has always left me feeling uneasy.
Participatory action research is different. You do not do this to people or for people, you do it with people to solve real-world problems that they are encountering in their lives. Paulo Freire, the daddy of Adult Education, conceptualized this type of research. Freire devoted his life to developing processes for quality community-based adult education in a community development model. Participatory action research is embedded in this community education model.
(Reason, 1994 as cited in Kidd S., 2005) describes participatory action research (PAR) as, "PAR is ideally, a process in which people (researchers and participants) develop goals and methods, participate in the gathering and analysis of data, and implement the results in a way that will raise critical consciousness and promote change in the lives of those involved – changes that are in the direction and control of the participating group or community." (p.187)
This culture of inquiry could have a a substantial impact on research in small northern communities. Communities, in this model, define their interests, based on issues that they want to resolve and work with a researcher who facilitates the process of data collection, analysis. Ultimately the community based on this information that they have gathered come up with their solution.
Solutions found by those with a vested interest are more likely to be implemented. This culture of inquiry has promise. Promise that I am excited to think about going forward as I establish what my research project will be.
Kidd, S.A & Kral, M.J. (2005). Practicing in participatory action research. Journal of Counselling Psychology, 52(2), 187-195. doi:10.1037/0022-0167.52.2.187
(Reason, 1994 as cited in Kidd S., 2005) describes participatory action research (PAR) as, "PAR is ideally, a process in which people (researchers and participants) develop goals and methods, participate in the gathering and analysis of data, and implement the results in a way that will raise critical consciousness and promote change in the lives of those involved – changes that are in the direction and control of the participating group or community." (p.187)
This culture of inquiry could have a a substantial impact on research in small northern communities. Communities, in this model, define their interests, based on issues that they want to resolve and work with a researcher who facilitates the process of data collection, analysis. Ultimately the community based on this information that they have gathered come up with their solution.
Solutions found by those with a vested interest are more likely to be implemented. This culture of inquiry has promise. Promise that I am excited to think about going forward as I establish what my research project will be.
Kidd, S.A & Kral, M.J. (2005). Practicing in participatory action research. Journal of Counselling Psychology, 52(2), 187-195. doi:10.1037/0022-0167.52.2.187
No comments:
Post a Comment