Research is a craft, and all forms of research are exercises of inquiry. Participatory Action Research is a kind of inquiry and investigation used in the field, with the researcher as a participant as well as observer, and the subjects of the study are consulted and heard.
Write a short paper (3-5 pages, double spaced, 12 point font; not including the bibliography) defining and describing participatory action research. Analyze its components, characteristics, and best practices; compare this method with the traditional scientific method. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using participatory action research. What is considered its limitations? Are there ways to address or mitigate the limitations? Cite sources using APA format. Include conclusions and bibliography (in APA format). Use at least 5 academic sources including required readings and textbooks. Cite your sources in the paper.
Rubric:
1. Introduction (1-2 paragraphs) – What is participatory action research (PAR), why is an important research methodology, and outline of the paper. (0.5 points)
2. Participatory Action Research (2-3 pages) – Definition(s); principles; types of and components of participatory action research. Analyze its components, characteristics, principles, and best practices. Describe a community service project and how you can use participatory action research to help you design a research project (it can be the research paper you are doing for this class). (5 points)
3. Comparisons (1/2 -1 page) – compare this method with the traditional scientific method, and to other research methods. Why is it helpful or useful in human services research and/or Africana Studies research? What new perspectives and information does it provide? (2 points)
4. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of using participatory action research. (1 page) – Also what is considered its limitations? Are there ways to address or mitigate the limitations? (2 points)
5. Conclusions (1-2 paragraphs) – sum up what you learned about participatory action research, its uses, best practices, strengths, and limitations. Any outstanding questions or things we need to know more about in using PAR? (1.5 points)
6. Bibliography – at least 5 sources including required journal articles and textbooks. Use academic sources for the 5, but you can use more than 5 sources. List all sources you consulted and used. Use APA format. (4 points for citing sources properly, format of bibliography, at least 5 sources, including grammar, format, and organization of the paper).
* start reading the 2 articles about Participatory action first
* for the reading (Action Research 4t edition) these are the pages and chapter Chapter 2 ” the theory behind the practice”. pp. 57-86. Chapter 3 “Setting the Stage” 87-108
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|