Modified Community Based Participatory Action Research: Recognizing the Benefits of Collaborative Projects between Researchers and Practitioners

Collaboration between the researcher and practitioner is an integral component to successful program and outcome evaluations. The success of such research projects depends on the ability for both parties to recognize the benefits of the partnership and identified deliverables. Yet many researchers find it challenging to cultivate professional success simply through program evaluations, as it is sometimes viewed more as community service than rigorous research. In an effort to combat this disconnect, researchers need to be exposed to illustrations of successful researcher-practitioner collaborations in evaluation research to see the opportunities for professional development and community engagement available with this type of work. With this knowledge, informed researchers will be able to balance both a rigorous professional portfolio and a commitment to community equity. Community based participatory action research (CB-PAR) is one form of action oriented research in which communities affected by relevant issues are actively involved in the research process. This model also encourages co-learning between practitioners and researchers recognizing that both groups deserve an opportunity to voice their thoughts through the process.

This workshop includes a distinguished panel of 5 social science researchers from Rutgers University and Safe Horizon, the nation's largest victim serving organization. Researchers will present case studies to highlight the successes and challenges with modified CB-PAR and offer in-depth reviews of methodology and the decision-making process. Panelists will also address the conference theme of “Achieving Equal Opportunity, Equity, and Justice” through a discussion of how research-practitioner collaborations allows practitioners to ensure that the services being provided are client-centered, equitable, and effective at reaching desired outcomes in appropriate ways.

The following topics will be discussed: 1) guidelines for conducting CB-PAR; 2) challenges that researchers encounter when doing this type of work; 3) the continuum of CB-PAR activities; 4) implications for practice, research, and policy. This workshop will include a discussion of recognized best practices in conducting CB-PAR research in diverse communities, as well as the value that such research can bring to both academic and non-academic partnerships. During a ninety-minute session, panelists will address the topics above through prepared presentations, interactive learning through the use of case models and small group exercises, and will wrap-up the session with audience questions and a group discussion.

By the end of the workshop participants will be familiar with best practices for CB-PAR and ways it can be gently modified to suit broader funding requirements and restrictions as to best suit the needs of the communities involved. Participants will also gain the knowledge of how to address challenges associated with conducting community based action research. Participants will also be able to identify areas for future research, policy development, and practice techniques that would benefit from collaborative researcher-practitioner partnerships.