Action-oriented research for social change

Introduction

This course focuses on doing research with which researchers not only aim to understand societal issues but also wish to contribute to social change. It introduces action-oriented research approaches, such as Participatory Action Research (PAR), transdisciplinary research, transformative research or engaged research. Many of these research approaches have a long history and have been applied in diverse geographic, cultural and political contexts.

Action-oriented research studies are participatory in their approach, i.e. they are designed and conducted in close collaboration with, or with participation from, participants of the research population and other relevant societal stakeholders. Simultaneously, they allow an in-depth understanding of the societal context as well as of the persistency of the problems through being closely involved in addressing these.

Often the aim of these studies is to rethink and reinterpret complex issues, synthesize different types of knowledge, and collectively develop new hypotheses and solutions. Researchers that use such approaches aim their research questions and methodology to remain attuned to the real situation and experience of the research population, thereby providing points for further action.

Course information 

ECTS: 2,5 
Number of sessions: 6
Hours per session: 2,5 
 

Entry level

This course is designed for those with no or limited experience with action-oriented research.

Session descriptions

Session 1: Introduction to action-oriented research
Session 2: Diversity of action-oriented research approaches & role of the researcher
Session 3: Participatory Action Research & issues of power
Session 4: Transdisciplinary Research & issues of knowledge integration
Session 5: Participatory Evaluation & Monitoring & issues of participation
Session 6: Creating your own action-oriented PhD