Naming and Unnaming a Research Study “Participatory”

• In Event: Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Participatory Action Research: Voice, Partnerships, and Purpose

Abstract

This paper explores the importance of reflexively naming research studies participatory action research – particularly during the initial stages. Drawing upon two different research studies, we share three “principles of practice” generated from an analysis of our fieldnotes and a series of interactive interviews. We present a brief overview of how PAR and other related research approaches have come to be positioned in the PAR research and highlight the definitions and commitments that undergird this orientation to research. We argue that 1) entering and re-entering relationship, 2) working against researcher power, and 3) being willing to name and un-name PAR are three guiding principles to consider when pursuing participatory research with new collaborative partnerships.

Authors

• Sarai Koo, MAPS 4 College

• Jessica Nina Lester, Indiana University