Article
Developing and systematically implementing participatory action research1,

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Abstract

White GW, Suchowierska M, Campbell M. Developing and systematically implementing Participatory Action Research. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2004;85(4 Suppl 2): S3–12.

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a collaborative approach to conducting research that recently emerged as a paradigm for bridging science and clinical practice. The key characteristic of this approach—collaboration between consumers and researchers—often increases the relevance of research while maintaining the standards of scientific rigor. Although PAR is receiving increased attention from researchers and consumers in social science and public health, it has not been implemented widely. Some of the reasons for a limited application of PAR in the field include lack of knowledge about PAR and strategies for its implementation. This article defines PAR, provides an overview of the characteristics of this approach, and discusses 4 elements for systematic incorporation of the PAR approach into the research process. The elements are (1) participant selection and recruitment, (2) role and relationship clarification for researchers and participants, (3) research team education, and (4) management and support.

Section snippets

Definition of PAR

The term participatory action research was coined by Hall4(p7) to describe “an integrated activity that combines social investigation, educational work, and action.” It is important to note that this approach was intended to be a research activity—a systematic study of a situation that resulted in the production of knowledge.19 Although subsequent authors often cite Hall, they have defined PAR in a variety of ways. For example, Whyte14 has emphasized the applied aspect of PAR by writing that

Key implementation elements

Several key implementation elements could facilitate the application of PAR. Following the example of Redmon et al,36 we examined the disability-related PAR literature for strategies on how to incorporate this approach into the research process. We also relied on Danley and Ellison’s handbook37 for participatory action researchers. Four elements of implementation have been identified: (1) participant selection and recruitment, (2) role and relationship clarification for researchers and

Conclusions

Many authors1, 9, 10, 60 have asserted that the PAR approach has substantial benefits. These advantages are said to result in better science and better practice. Moreover, they relate well to the concept of social validity.8, 108 This article has described a systematic approach to implementing PAR in the field of disability and rehabilitation. We have shown that PAR, as an element of the research process, has been mostly described in anecdotal and qualitative reports. Future research needs to

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    Supported in part by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, US Department of Education (grant nos. H133B000500, H133B980013).

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    No commercial party having a direct financial interest in the results of the research supporting this article has or will confer a benefit upon the author(s) or upon any organization with which the author(s) is/are associated.

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