Communities transforming collective knowledge into grassroots action.
Carleton students on Learning from Place: Bdote tour through the Minnesota Humanities Center. Foreground: Dakota Educator Ethan Neerdaels and Carleton professor Anita Chikkatur
What is
participatory action research (PAR)?
Participatory action research (PAR) is a framework for conducting research and generating knowledge centered on the belief that those who are most impacted by research should be the ones taking the lead in framing the questions, the design, methods, and the modes of analysis of such research projects. The framework is rooted in the belief that there is value in both traditionally recognized knowledge, such as scholarship generated by university-based researchers, and historically delegitimized knowledge, such as knowledge generated within marginalized communities.
How to use this site
This site, created by a university-affiliated participatory action research team in collaboration with community researchers and partners, is intended to provide resources for anyone interested in engaging in PAR work. This website is for youth, teachers, university faculty, communities and community organizations, organizers, and anyone interested in the ethics and power of grassroots, community-centered research and action for social justice.
If you’re new to PAR, start with our About page, which offers general information on PAR, including its history and examples of different types of PAR. If you’re interested in engaging in PAR work, you might want to learn more about the Stages of PAR. And if you want to delve deeper and see examples of PAR relevant to you and your communities, visit our Resources pages.
Finally, to access this site in another language, select that language in the top menu.
Watch this video to learn how to navigate the site!
