What kind of research methods should we use?
How long will each phase of the project take?

This aspect of the collaborative process generally will require greater input from the researcher. University scholars and independent scholars are trained experts in designing and carrying out research projects, and critical issues such as methods, sampling, confidentiality, ethics, and data storage. Community-based organizations gain credibility when the research design reflects accepted protocols and precedents. Good planning can reduce the amount of time an organization would devote to the issue being researched in the long-term compared to if they were working alone.

CCUC partners described successful PAR projects that used a range of social scientific methods to gather data; participant-observation, various kinds of interviewing, focus groups and surveys have all been effective. Both quantitative and qualitative methods may be used, depending on the goals of the project. See the Working Definitions on page 42 for more information on specific types of research methods.

Within the range of research methods scientifically appropriate for the project, the community may provide input on which are most feasible for the population under study, how to reach that population and other issues related to helping the plan to move forward smoothly.



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