3.8 Community-Based Research
Social scientists, including sociologists, sometimes use their research skills to work on projects within their communities. The goal of this research is often to improve conditions for some part of the population and to help community groups gather insight that they might not otherwise be able to collect themselves.
Community-Based Research and Participatory Action Research
Community-based research takes place in community settings and involves community members in the design and implementation of research projects. Research projects involve collaboration between researchers and community partners. This type of research aims to benefit the community by achieving social justice through social action and change (SFSU n.d.).
Community-based research is sometimes called participatory action research (Stringer 2007). In partnership with community organizations, you utilize your social science research skills to help assess needs, outcomes, and provide data that can be used to improve living conditions. The research is often published in professional reports and presented to the board of directors for the organization you are working with. The term “action research” suggests that we make a plan to implement changes. Often with academic research, we aim to learn more about a population and leave the next steps up to others. This is an important part of the puzzle, as we need to start with knowledge, but action research often has the goal of “fixing” something, or at least quickly translating the newly acquired findings into a realistic solution for a social problem.
Community-based action research is rigorous research developed from empirical findings. At times, this research uses an interpretive framework (this reflective approach is discussed in Frameworks Shaping Sociological Research). It engages people who have traditionally been referred to as “subjects” as active participants in the research process. The researcher works with the organization throughout the process and will likely bring in different project design elements based on the needs of the organization. As a social scientist, you may have more formalized training, but you must draw both on existing research/literature and the goals of the organization you are working with. Community-based research, or participatory research, can be thought of as an orientation for research rather than strictly a method. Often, multiple methods are used to collect data. Change can often be one of the main aims of the project (e.g., how to improve access to housing). Think of this as a practical outcome related to the lives or work of research participants (Kemmis and McTaggart 1988; Anderson, Herr, and Nihlen 1994; Reason 1994).
Community-based research projects can benefit the community in a variety of ways, but there are a few considerations researchers and organizations should consider before entering into a partnership. For example, limited financial resources may make it