Participatory Action Research
by James Caringi, Loretta Pyles, Janine Jurkowski, Christine Bozlak, Hal A. Lawson
Conventional textbooks present PAR from a distanced perspective and with assumption that beginners will gain practical PAR knowledge on their own. This book provides real world examples-first-hand accounts by the researchers who designed and implemented these PAR innovations. Shared recommendations and lessons learned provided in the final chapter are a unique contribution to students and early career researchers.
Paperback
English
Brand New
Publisher Description
As novel, complex social problems increase, especially those involving vulnerable people who reside in challenging places, the limitations of conventional research methods implemented by just one or two investigators become apparent. Research and development alternatives are needed, particularly methods that engage teams of researchers in real world problem solving while simultaneously generating practice- and policy-relevant knowledge. Research methods thateffectively tap the expertise of everyday people, especially those impacted by these targeted social problems, are a special priority because academic researchers often lack experiential knowledge that stemsfrom direct, everyday encounters with these vexing problems.Participatory action research (PAR) responds to these manifest needs. It provides a methodological structure and operational guidelines for preparing and deploying people from various walks of life as co-researchers, and it provides a proven strategy for generating practice- and policy-relevant knowledge as problem-solving in real world contexts proceeds.
Table of Contents
1. Introducing Participatory Action ResearchHal A. Lawson2. Child Welfare Participatory Action Research Design Teams for Workforce Reconfiguration, Organizational Innovation, and Policy ChangeHal A. Lawson and James C. Caringi3. Participatory Action Research with YouthChristine T. Bozlak and Michele A. Kelley4. A Complex, Community-Based Participatory Action Research Design to Address Obesity in Young Children and Their FamiliesJanine M. Jurkowski, Kirsten Davison, and Hal A. Lawson\5. The Critical-Emancipatory Tradition of Participatory Action Research in Postdisaster Recovery Settings in the Global SouthLoretta Pyles and Juliana Svistova6. Summary Reflections and Lessons LearnedHal A. Lawson, Christine T. Bozlak, James C. Caringi, Loretta Pyles, and Janine M. Jurkowski7. Key Websites for Participatory Action ResearchReferencesIndex
Review
"A very helpful pocket guide! The authors articulate the key principles and phases of PAR in a compelling way. The real-world examples of how researchers, practitioners, and community members have used PAR showcase the value of this unique methodology in social work research. I highly recommend this guide to those interested in using PAR to understand and problem-solve complex social issues." --Dawn Anderson-Butcher, PhD., LISW-S; Professor, The Ohio StateUniversity"This is an excellent theoretical and practical text on participatory research and a valuable resource for any researcher or student interested in conducting this type of research. This is an excellent addition to any library." --Charles Auerbach, Ph.D, Professor, Wurzweiler School of Social Work"This book is a timely text from research to macro-practice classes, as well as the change agent's indispensable tool in the field. A brilliant and accessible combination of theory with a practitioner's eye to how things really work 'on the ground' in organizations and systems. It will never be far from my reach."--Carenlee Barkdull, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Social Work, University of North Dakota
Promotional
Conventional textbooks present PAR from a distanced perspective and with the assumption that beginners will gain practical PAR knowledge on their own. This book provides real world examples--first-hand accounts by the researchers who designed and implemented these PAR innovations.
Long Description
As novel, complex social problems increase, especially those involving vulnerable people who reside in challenging places, the limitations of conventional research methods implemented by just one or two investigators become apparent. Research and development alternatives are needed, particularly methods that engage teams of researchers in real world problem solving while simultaneously generating practice- and policy-relevant knowledge. Research methods that
effectively tap the expertise of everyday people, especially those impacted by these targeted social problems, are a special priority because academic researchers often lack experiential knowledge that stems from direct, everyday encounters with these vexing problems.Participatory
action research (PAR) responds to these manifest needs. It provides a methodological structure and operational guidelines for preparing and deploying people from various walks of life as co-researchers, and it provides a proven strategy for generating practice- and policy-relevant knowledge as problem-solving in real world contexts proceeds.
Review Text
"A very helpful pocket guide! The authors articulate the key principles and phases of PAR in a compelling way. The real-world examples of how researchers, practitioners, and community members have used PAR showcase the value of this unique methodology in social work research. I highly recommend this guide to those interested in using PAR to understand and problem-solve complex social issues." --Dawn Anderson-Butcher, PhD., LISW-S; Professor, The Ohio State
University
"This is an excellent theoretical and practical text on participatory research and a valuable resource for any researcher or student interested in conducting this type of research. This is an excellent addition to any library." --Charles Auerbach, Ph.D, Professor, Wurzweiler School of Social Work
"This book is a timely text from research to macro-practice classes, as well as the change agent's indispensable tool in the field. A brilliant and accessible combination of theory with a practitioner's eye to how things really work 'on the ground' in organizations and systems. It will never be far from my reach."--Carenlee Barkdull, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Social Work, University of North Dakota
Review Quote
"A very helpful pocket guide! The authors articulate the key principles and phases of PAR in a compelling way. The real-world examples of how researchers, practitioners, and community members have used PAR showcase the value of this unique methodology in social work research. I highly recommend this guide to those interested in using PAR to understand and problem-solve complex social issues." --Dawn Anderson-Butcher, PhD., LISW-S; Professor, The Ohio State University "This is an excellent theoretical and practical text on participatory research and a valuable resource for any researcher or student interested in conducting this type of research. This is an excellent addition to any library." --Charles Auerbach, Ph.D, Professor, Wurzweiler School of Social Work "This book is a timely text from research to macro-practice classes, as well as the change agent's indispensable tool in the field. A brilliant and accessible combination of theory with a practitioner's eye to how things really work 'on the ground' in organizations and systems. It will never be far from my reach."--Carenlee Barkdull, Ph.D., LCSW, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Social Work, University of North Dakota
Feature
Selling point: Discusses the relationship between PAR and the scientific method.
Selling point: Provides distinctions between PAR and other kinds of action research.
Selling point: Addresses innovative health PAR initiatives with good results to show.
Selling point: The authors' model is now the Children's Bureau's (US Department of Health and Human Services) recommended model for turnover interventions (via the National Child Welfare Workforce Development Institute).
Details
