PAR uses a variety of methods. Some of the common methods include:
- surveys
- participant observation
- interviewing
- mapping
- diagramming
- group work and discussions
Innovation in method is a feature of PAR projects as researchers and participants experiment with different techniques. For example:
- Photovoice - for example, Alice McIntyre (2008)provided Instamatic cameras (one black and one white) to a community group in Belfast and invited them to tell a visual story of their daily lives over a 9 month period.
- Participatory video – for example, the work of Insightshare.org
Some References and Resources
Institute of Development Studies Participatory Methodologies
McIntyre, A. (2008). Participatory action research. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
PRIA – Participatory Research in Asia – an Indian based NGO with over 25 years of experience of participatory approaches.
