Participatory Action Research defined.....

I have been enthusing to a range of people around the polytech about this research approach.
I have noticed there can be a point when their eyes glaze over. 
This seems to be related to the name. Say it with me (deep breath) 
Participatory Action Research ......

So l'm going to try and break down each word according to my current understanding of PAR...

Participatory..... .  

• Participants play an active role in all aspects of the research process; from establishing the problem or concern to finding possible solutions, implementation and evaluation of the outcomes
• The research process draws on participants current knowledge and strengths.
• Participants become empowered as co-researchers and gain skills in research processes and facilitating change.
• Participants are active subjects vs passive objects of study. Research is carried out in partnership ‘with’ participants......not......... ‘for’ or ‘on’ or ‘about’  participants. 

Action..... 

• PAR approaches aim to create positive social change in the real world.
• This approach eliminates the research/practice 'gap' where there is a lag between the research being published and its application to clinical practice.
• The action that is taken is sustainable because it is generated from the participants genuine concerns and situated within local contexts. 

Research........ 

• The research process aims to generate both practical outcomes and “knowledge that is useful and meaningful to participants” p. 84 (Ritchie, Bernard, Trede, Hill, & Squires, 2003).
• Knowledge is created through a cyclical process of experiential learning.....action and reflection on action (Liamputtong, 2009). 
  
• PAR projects emphasise learning of all involved the participants and the researcher/s. 

References

Liamputtong, P. (2009 ). Qualitative research methods (3rd ed.). Australia: Oxford. 

Ritchie, J., Bernard, D., Trede, F., Hill, B., & Squires, B. (2003). Using a participatory action  research approach as a process for promoting the health of older people. Health Promotion Journal of Australia, 14, 54-60.  

Rit

L