What is meant by Participatory Action Research (PAR)?
Participatory Action Research or PAR is a framework for conducting research and generating knowledge centered on the belief that those who are most impacted by research should be the ones taking the lead in framing the questions, the design, methods, and the modes of analysis of such research projects. It is an approach to action research emphasizing participation and action by members of communities affected by that research. It seeks to understand the world by trying to change it, collaboratively and following reflection. However, participatory research is more than merely the reflective work of a collaborative group leading to actions; it is the taking charge of and responsibility for the research process.
The use of participatory action research within the field of education began in the 1940s and 1950s at the Teachers College in Columbia University by Stephen Corey and colleagues.
There are four essential elements to PAR: participation, action, research, and social change for social justice. The goal of a participatory action research process is to improve a program, process, or practice or to solve real-world problems. As a tool for evaluation, participatory action research (PAR) works in two important ways: it produces evidence about an ongoing process of change, and it promotes learning among the people closest to the change.
Stages of Participatory Action Research (PAR):
- Choosing an issue;
- Choose participants and identify the research team;
- Find funding;
- Choose research methodology;
- Data Analysis and interpretation;
- Presentation of results;
- Take action;
- Evaluate.