What is Participatory Action Research?
Participatory Action Research has been defined as:
“…inquiry by ordinary people acting as researchers to explore questions in their lives, recognise their resources, and produce knowledge, and take action to overcome inequalities often in solidarity with external supporters”
(Dickson, G 2000. Aboriginal Mothers’ experience with health promotion and participatory action research, Qualitative Health Research, 10(2):1888-213)
Another definition of Action Research is:
“A way for people to participate in a reflective practice that allows change and understanding to occur at the same time. It aims to improve practice, address problems and promote ongoing learning. Action research moves through cycles of Planning, Acting, Observing and Reflecting. The aim is for understanding of the local situation to increase over time and for action to be improved and adapted through applying this learning. Action research is collaborative and participatory, usually including everybody who has a stake in the action.”