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Home » Methods » Participatory Action Research

Participatory Action Research

11-40 participants (to ensure representativeness)
medium-difficult
few months to several years
  • Online survey software: Tools such as SurveyMonkey, Google Forms or Typeform can be used to create and distribute online questionnaires to participants.
  • Online collaboration platforms: Use platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Slack to facilitate online meetings and discussions among participants.
  • Data analysis tools: Software such as SPSS, R or Excel can be used for analysing the collected data.
  • Project management software: Tools such as Asana, Trello or Monday.com can help to organise project activities, assign tasks and track progress.
  • Document sharing platforms: Tools such as Google Drive or Dropbox allow you to share and collaborate on project documents, reports and resources.
  • Communication tools: Use communication tools such as e-mail, instant messaging and social media to keep participants informed about project activities and to promote participation.
  • Be sure to assess the specific needs of your project and choose the digital materials that best suit these needs. Also, consider participants' familiarity with these digital tools and offer training or support if necessary to ensure effective participation in the PAR process.
Best Practices

Explanation of the method

  1. Problem identification: Involve participants in defining the problem you wish to address. This step may require the collection of initial data to better understand the situation.
  2. Goal setting: Collaboratively, establish the objectives of the PAR project. What do you seek to achieve through research and action?
  3. Project planning: Create a work plan that includes a timetable, the activities to be performed and the resources needed.
  4. Data collection and analysis: Collect data through a variety of methods, such as interviews, surveys, observations or focus groups. Analyse the data to identify patterns, challenges and opportunities.
  5. Actions and interventions: Based on the results of the analysis, develop concrete actions and interventions that address the identified problem.
  6. Monitoring and evaluation: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the actions taken and make changes if necessary.
  7. Documentation and dissemination: Accurately record the PAR process and results. Share results with participants and other stakeholders.

Advantages

  1. Active involvement of stakeholders.
  2. Action-based approach leading to practical solutions.
  3. Promotes mutual understanding between universities and the third sector.
  4. Fosters innovation through collaboration.

Disadvantages

  1. It requires considerable time and resources.
  2. It can be complex to manage because of the variety of perspectives involved.
  3. Results may take time to fully manifest themselves.

Advice from practice

  1. Involve all stakeholders from the beginning.
  2. Be open to flexibility and adaptation during the process.
  3. Invest in training participants in the PAR methodology.
  4. Make sure you have a clear plan for the dissemination of results and the implementation of the solutions that emerge.
Please note that the tools and methods were created as of August 2024 and all Miro Boards are editable.
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