Participatory Action Research

[Shreena G]

Hey, just wondering if there are those out there using PAR methods for their theses... Would love to hear about challenges, benefits and any learning points. Would also be interested in hearing about the level of participation of stakeholders people have created.
Thanks in advance.

[Hannah Istead]

Hi Sheerna

Ive been exploring the views of people who have been using a peer to peer intervention in a mental health setting.  Which is not completely direct PAR research but draws heavily on service user input at the beginning of the development and throughout the life course, happy to chat more about it.  I am writing it up as part of my DClinPsy thesis.  Also you seem very familiar to me did you use to work with the Mental Health network? Would be happy to chat further over email for more detailed points if thats of help?

Hannah

[Colm Gallagher]

Hi Shreena, 

I attempted, in the end, an unsuccessful PAR project for a DClinPsy thesis but I learned a lot on the way.  I would say it's doable.  If my mind remembers correctly someone did complete a PAR project recently from the Plymouth course. 

challenges

Ethics committee - due to the uncertainties at the beginning of such research, I'd think about linking in with a group already set up - who you can work with (as part of their group) to develop a potential research question which you can then seek ethical approval for. 

You'd have to walk the ethics committee through your research, to help them recognise this type of research is probably more ethical than other types of research.  Some committees will be more open minded than others, try talking to them early in your process.. 

There's no one way of getting the project through ethics though, some projects go through ethics 2/3 times at each stage.  Recognising the constraints of a DClinPsy, you'd need to think ethics; the time you can devote to the project.  In saying that though, it's more than doable, there are many different types of PAR research and if your motivated it can be done. 

It's hard for anyone to commit to persevering over many months, so choosing a topic which potential co-researchers are passionate about will help.  

You'd probably have to invest more time in your project compared to other forms of research but the write-up would be easier, so towards the end it would probably balance out.

benefits

naturalistic research, real world benefits for people, being part of a group with a common goal, learning to tolerate uncertainty, support from others, it's more ethical than other forms of research (participants have more control over the whole research process), you'll learn and take much much more from it compared to other forms of research.

learning points - start early; recognise your own capacity, motivation of others; plan, recognise planning is limited. 

I'm sure there's more I could say, and many other viewpoints and opinions.  PAR projects are unique, so think about your projects own context and that'll help with the level of participation you need.

[Shreena G]

Hi Colm, 

Thanks for the reply. Sounds like it has been quite a process for you. And I am on the Plymouth course - so glad to know I'm in the right place :) 

You're right, there's lots of different types of PAR which I guess opens up options (although I think I am searching for certainty at the moment, which as you say isn't present in this type of research!)

Any reading/references anyone can suggest would be handy...

Colm Gallagher said:

Hi Shreena, 

I attempted, in the end, an unsuccessful PAR project for a DClinPsy thesis but I learned a lot on the way.  I would say it's doable.  If my mind remembers correctly someone did complete a PAR project recently from the Plymouth course. 

challenges

Ethics committee - due to the uncertainties at the beginning of such research, I'd think about linking in with a group already set up - who you can work with (as part of their group) to develop a potential research question which you can then seek ethical approval for. 

You'd have to walk the ethics committee through your research, to help them recognise this type of research is probably more ethical than other types of research.  Some committees will be more open minded than others, try talking to them early in your process.. 

There's no one way of getting the project through ethics though, some projects go through ethics 2/3 times at each stage.  Recognising the constraints of a DClinPsy, you'd need to think ethics; the time you can devote to the project.  In saying that though, it's more than doable, there are many different types of PAR research and if your motivated it can be done. 

It's hard for anyone to commit to persevering over many months, so choosing a topic which potential co-researchers are passionate about will help.  

You'd probably have to invest more time in your project compared to other forms of research but the write-up would be easier, so towards the end it would probably balance out.

benefits

naturalistic research, real world benefits for people, being part of a group with a common goal, learning to tolerate uncertainty, support from others, it's more ethical than other forms of research (participants have more control over the whole research process), you'll learn and take much much more from it compared to other forms of research.

learning points - start early; recognise your own capacity, motivation of others; plan, recognise planning is limited. 

I'm sure there's more I could say, and many other viewpoints and opinions.  PAR projects are unique, so think about your projects own context and that'll help with the level of participation you need.

[Colm Gallagher]

Here's two.....

 

Doing Participatory Action Research and Doing a PhD: Words of Encouragement for Prospective Students

NATASCHA KLOCKER

Interrogating Power: The Case of Arts and Mental Health in Community Projects

REBECCA LAWTHOM, JUDITH SIXSMITH and CAROLYN KAGAN

Best Wishes,