Resources for Critical Participatory Action Researchers

Abstract

This chapter presents eight resources to assist you and your co-participants in the planning and conduct of a critical participatory action research initiative. Resource 1: Creating a public sphere and identifying a shared felt concern guides you through the process of working with your co-participants to identify who will participate in the initiative, and what your project will be. Resource 2: Some notes on research ethics helps you to consider and address ethical issues in social research, with attention to special considerations that arise in the case of critical participatory action research. Resource 3: Critical participatory action research group protocols helps participants to define mutual expectations about how they will proceed in relation to one another. Resource 4: Principles of procedure outlines how co-participants will relate to others outside the participant group, as well as within. Resource 5: Keeping a journal offers guidance on documenting your observations and reflections throughout your project. Resource 6: Gathering evidence, documenting outlines a variety of ways to collect evidence with advice about each. Resource 7: Reporting: For yourself and others makes some suggestions about the value of reporting to others as a critical participatory action research initiative unfolds. It also offers particular advice for people undertaking action research projects as part of a formal course of study. Resource 8: Choosing an academic partner offers guidance and advice about negotiating mutual expectations for participants who are considering working with critical friends or academic partners who may be able provide various kinds of help and advice.