Abstract
The purpose of this article is twofold: to explore the entry process in community-based research when researching sensitive topics; and to suggest a framework for entry that utilises the values of participatory action research (PAR). The article draws on a collaborative community-university research study that took place in the Waterloo and Toronto regions of Ontario, Canada, from 2005–2010. The article emphasises that community entry is not only about recruitment strategies for research participants or research access to community but it is also concerned with the ongoing engagement with communities during various stages of the research study. The indicator of success is a well established and trusted community-researcher relationship. This article first examines this broader understanding of entry, then looks at how community research entry can be shaped by an illustrative framework, or guide, that uses a combination of participatory action research (PAR) values and engagement strategies. Key words: research entry, community engagement, participatory action research, mental health and cultural diversity
Highlights
2 | Gateways | Ochocka, Moorlag & Janzen of mental health services in multicultural Canada
Drawing inspiration from Israel, Schulz, Parker and Becker (1998), community-based research was defined as research that strives to be: ——community situated – beginning with a research topic of practical relevance to the community and which is carried out in community settings ——collaborative – community members and researchers share control of the research agenda through active and reciprocal involvement in the research design, implementation and dissemination ——action-oriented – the process and results are useful to community members in making positive social change and promoting social equity
The process that researchers undertake in order to gain entry into communities is a central element of the entire project, yet surprisingly, the topic of entry is rarely addressed in the relevant literature and is an aspect often overlooked within community-researcher partnerships
Summary
2 | Gateways | Ochocka, Moorlag & Janzen of mental health services in multicultural Canada. We believe that using the values of PAR as a guide for implementing research entry strategies is essential in facilitating the development of successful, long-term community-researcher relationships.
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