What is Participatory Research?

The Voices from the Margins research project considers the lived experience of international students in Melbourne through Participatory Research Methodology.

A student and staff member talk over some paperwork during international student week.

Student and staff connect as part of Melbourne International Student Week. Image: RMIT University

Participatory research refers to research designs, methods, and frameworks that involve collaborating with people whose lived experiences are the subject of the study. This approach emphasises co-designing research through partnerships between the researchers and those with lived expertise or who represent the interests of those who are the focus of the research. By collaborating with community members, stakeholders, and end-users in the research process, participatory research provides outcomes that are informed by and relevant to practical contexts and results that can be effectively translated into real-world applications.

 

References

Banks, S., & Brydon-Miller, M. (2018). Ethics in participatory research. In Ethics in participatory research for health and social well-being (pp. 25-54). Routledge.

Vaughn, L. M., & Jacquez, F. (2020). Participatory research methods-Choice points in the research process. Journal of Participatory Research Methods, 1(1), 13244.