Summary
This talk aims to unpack the notion of participation used in participatory design research, by proposing a framework through which different levels of participation can occur at different stages of the research process. Drawing examples of work in child welfare and foster care, this framework is ultimately an invitation to challenge the notion that participation is binary (i.e., either research is participatory or isn't) or fixed (i.e., there is only one way participation can be done). Instead, participation is a negotiation that should take into account different factors (e.g., partners, resources, timeline), and could include a combination of different levels at different stages in any given research study.
Key Insights
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Participation in research can reduce ingest control experienced by marginalized communities.
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Sherry Arnstein's ladder of citizen participation provides a foundational framework for understanding participation levels.
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An effective model of participation is not binary but exists on a continuum based on the research process stages.
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The spiral model in participatory action research emphasizes ongoing feedback and participant engagement throughout the research lifecycle.
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Co-creating research questions and instruments with affected communities can lead to more meaningful research.
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Transparency in participant selection and recruitment can build trust and agency among community members.
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Participatory research should include mechanisms for participant validation of findings to ensure their voices are accurately represented.
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Ethics in participatory research involve not only engaging participants but also ensuring their well-being and compensation for contributions.
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Research methodologies should adapt to the developmental stages of participants, particularly when working with youth.
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Participatory models should avoid superficial metrics and instead focus on quality and depth of engagement.
Notable Quotes
"Participation is one way to minimize ingest control."
"Instead of asking is this research participatory, we should ask when and how participatory is this research."
"The more participation, the better is a simplified view of what participation can mean."
"Participation is an ethical commitment."
"Being participatory does not mean that you’re being trauma responsive."
"It’s important to reflect on how participation can lend itself to different stages of the research process."
"The typology is less about theorizing the perfect model of participation and more about mapping existing forms."
"Participatory research is not inherently void of harm or power differentials."
"An external organization having the last word on the study findings represents a critical power dynamic."
"We can and should complement participation with an ethic of care."
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