Participatory Action Research (Pocket Guide to Social Work Research Methods)

Lawson, Hal A.

ISBN 10: 0190204389 / ISBN 13: 9780190204389

Published by Oxford University Press, 2015

About this Item

In.

Seller Inventory # ria9780190204389_new

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Participatory Action Research (Pocket Guide to Social Work Research Methods)
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: 2015
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0190204389
• ISBN 13: 9780190204389
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

As novel, complex social problems increase, especially those involving vulnerable people who reside in challenging places, the limitations of conventional research methods implemented by just one or two investigators become apparent. Research and development alternatives are needed, particularly methods that engage teams of researchers in real world problem solving while simultaneously generating practice- and policy-relevant knowledge. Research methods that effectively tap the expertise of everyday people, especially those impacted by these targeted social problems, are a special priority because academic researchers often lack experiential knowledge that stems from direct, everyday encounters with these vexing problems.

Participatory action research (PAR) responds to these manifest needs. It provides a methodological structure and operational guidelines for preparing and deploying people from various walks of life as co-researchers, and it provides a proven strategy for generating practice- and policy-relevant knowledge as problem-solving in real world contexts proceeds.

About the Author

Hal A. Lawson, PhD, is a Professor of Social Welfare and Professor of Educational Administration and Policy Studies at the University at Albany, State University of New York.

James Caringi, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at the University of Montana.