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A resilient research approach: Using community‐based participatory action research in a rural area of India
Author(s) -
Shadowen Noel L.,
Guerra Nancy G.,
Beveridge Ryan,
McCoy Elizabeth K.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of community psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.585
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 1520-6629
pISSN - 0090-4392
DOI - 10.1002/jcop.22429
Subject(s) - participatory action research , action research , citizen journalism , data collection , participant observation , process (computing) , resource (disambiguation) , community resilience , community based participatory research , psychological resilience , inclusion (mineral) , qualitative property , local community , participatory evaluation , community engagement , public relations , sociology , psychology , political science , pedagogy , social science , social psychology , computer science , computer network , machine learning , anthropology , law , operating system
Abstract This community‐based participatory action research (CBPAR) study describes a method for evaluating an after‐school resilience‐focused intervention in a low‐resource rural area of southern India. Communities Rising, a locally developed resilience and academic program, was evaluated in a cross‐continent collaboration between a research team at a U.S. university and the local community. The CBPAR literature highlights the importance of cultural considerations, community considerations, and community participation in the research process. The present case study describes the CBPAR research process and considerations at every phase of the research project, providing a road map of how community engagement can strengthen research, empower the community, and provide valuable knowledge. This study was conducted in three phases that focused on inclusion of local voices in the development both of the resilience program and the evaluation data collection process. Youth surveyors were particularly key to the research process. Data on participant demographics, satisfaction with the program, and qualitative contributions are also provided. Strengths and limitations of this study process in a rural community are discussed.