Write a short paper (3-4pages) defining and describing participatory action research. Analyse its components, characteristics and best practices; compare this method with the traditional scientific method.

Introduction The essential of qualitative research is to explore the background of a social problem. Participatory Action Research (PAR) is used to ease this process which is a combination of participation and action process (Liebenberg,2018). What is Participatory Action Research? PAR is a tool to research, wherein the researchers and the participants come together to study a social problem, which enables them to take actions to bring improvement in the same (Participatory Action Research, 2022). PAR-Components PAR has four components. These are participation, action, research, and social change. The stakeholders participate in a process with the purpose to enhance their knowledge, through a research process, which helps the stakeholders (researchers and the research subjects) to take appropriate action to bring social change (Liebenberg,2018). PAR-Characteristics PAR is participatory in nature as the research subjects also participate in the entire process. This equal participation gives the power to the research subjects to suggest and take decisions as well. PAR is characterized by its usefulness to the research subjects. The participants in this research share the same experience as that with the problem being studied (Participatory Action Research, 2022). PAR is characterized by action, wherein the participants are engaged in the process to find an action to bring social change. PAR-Best Practice One of the best practices of PAR is seen in the project of Wellington Breakfast Club. The research problem was to educate the students about the importance of breakfast. In this stakeholders involved were parents, school, and dieticians. The participation of these stakeholders resulted in planning morning activities that included breakfast selection and preparation. Thus, PAR is an effective research tool to rule out a social problem (Boyle,2012). Traditional Scientific Approach and PAR-Comparison PAR differs from the traditional research paradigm. The traditional approach emphasizes the written report of the results whereas PAR aims at finding practical solutions to a problem. The subjects in PAR are actively involved in the process of research, whereas in the traditional approach they act as the passive object of the study (Organizing Engagement, 2022). PAR-Strengths and Weaknesses The experience-based knowledge in PAR gives a better understanding to develop strategies for the betterment of society. Secondly, the engagement of the researcher and the research subjects helps to find out a better solution to a problem and helps in bringing social change (Kojala,2013). PAR is characterized by some weaknesses as well. It is a long process. Secondly, at times the research subjects might not agree with the researcher about what intervention is required. However. overcoming them will make the process smooth and effective (Community tool Box, 2022) PAR-Limitations and Way to Overcome Them PAR is limited by certain factors. Primarily, the researcher is not accepted by the research subjects because of cultural and environmental differences. The participation level of the participants cannot be measured. The method and level of participation are based on the researchers’ judgments and thought processes. To overcome these the researcher should be from a local area in which the research is being carried out (Kojala,2013). The researcher should gain a deep insight into the community being studied (Delve). Involving these methods would help to eradicate the limitations to some extent and would help in making it effective. Application of PAR in Project of “Intimate Partner Violence in Young Adolescence” My community service project relates to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in young adolescents. IPC refers to violence, aggression, or abuse that exists in a romantic relationship (CDC,2021). The research problem would be to study the factors that lead to IPV and develop measures to prevent its occurrence in the community. To understand these factors, I would employ Participative Action Research in my study. I will identify a community that is already facing this social challenge. Further, the members of the community facing this issue shall be identified and would be encouraged to participate. The participants would be young adolescents of age 12- 14 years of age, compromising both genders. The discussion between the participants (research subjects) and the researcher (myself) would be initiated to understand what factors lead to IPV in their age. The factors that would be identified would be real as they would be based on knowledge obtained from real experiences. Further, the research subjects would discuss the possible ways and strategies to reduce the occurrence of IPV. The strategies would be identified by the participants and they will implement them and take an action and bring about social change. Conclusion Therefore, like in the case of IPV, PAR can be an effective tool to understand societal problems and to bring about the required change in society. However, the steps to combat its limitations should be undertaken in order to negate the errors. REFERENCES Boyle, M. May 2012. “Research in Action: A Guide to Best Practice in Participatory Action Research”. Department Of Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. https://www.dss.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/06_2012/research_in_action.pdf Centre for Community and Civic Engagement, Carleton College. 2022. “Participatory Action Research”. 2022. https://participatoryactionresearch.sites.carleton.edu/about-par/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 2021. “Fast Facts: Preventing Intimate Partner Violence. https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/intimatepartnerviolence/fastfact.html Community Tool Box. 2022. Participatory Approaches to Planning Community Interventions. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/analyze/where-to-start/participatory-approaches/main Delve. “Participatory Action Research”. https://delvetool.com/blog/participatoryaction Kojala, J. August 2013. “Strengths and Limitation of Participatory Approaches to Development Communication. http://expertresearchers.blogspot.com/2013/08/strengths-and-limitations-of.html Liebenberg, L. December 2018. “Thinking Critically About Photovoice: Achieving Empowerment and Social Change”. The International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 17(1). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323320319_Thinking_Critically_About_Photovoice_Achieving_Empowerment_and_Social_Change#pf2 Organizing Engagement. 2022. Participatory Action Research and Evaluation. https://organizingengagement.org/models/participatory-action-research-and-evaluation/