My ARP action involves setting up a ‘micro’ live project working collaboratively with participants to research. This type of research seems to fall under participatory research – which I have been trying to understand via various online sources which I have summarised below;

Participatory research, also known as participatory action research (PAR), is an approach to conducting research that actively involves the individuals or communities being studied in the research process. It is a collaborative and inclusive method of research that aims to empower and engage participants, promote social change, and address issues from their perspective. Participatory research is often used in fields such as social sciences, community development, education, public health, and environmental studies.

Key characteristics of participatory research include:

1. Collaboration: Researchers work closely with the individuals or communities they are studying, treating them as equal partners in the research process. This collaborative approach helps ensure that research is more relevant and responsive to the needs and concerns of those directly affected.
2. Empowerment: Participatory research seeks to empower participants by involving them in problem identification, data collection, analysis, and decision-making. This can lead to increased community or individual agency and a sense of ownership over the research outcomes.
3. Action-oriented: The primary goal of participatory research is to bring about positive social change or address real-world problems. Researchers and participants work together to develop and implement strategies to effect change based on the research findings.
4. Local knowledge and context: Participatory research values the local knowledge and expertise of participants. It recognizes that individuals and communities have unique insights into their own situations, which can inform research questions and solutions.
5. Ethical considerations: Ethical considerations in participatory research are crucial. Researchers must respect the rights and dignity of participants, maintain transparency, and obtain informed consent. Ethical guidelines are particularly important in research involving vulnerable populations.
6. Multiple methods: Participatory research can involve a variety of data collection methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, participatory mapping, and storytelling. The methods used are often tailored to the specific context and research goals.
7. Flexibility: Participatory research is adaptable and flexible. It may evolve over time as researchers and participants engage in an ongoing dialogue, adapting the research process as needed.

Participatory research is often used in situations where traditional, top-down research methods may not capture the full complexity of the issues being studied or may not adequately engage the people most affected by those issues. By involving the community or individuals in the research process, participatory research can lead to more relevant, actionable, and empowering outcomes.