The 7 C’s framework for participatory action research: inducting novice participant-researchers

Abstract

A key aspect of engaging in a large participatory action research (PAR) project is ensuring that novice participant-researchers have a general understanding of the PAR methodology. Lead researchers experienced in action research cannot expect novice participant-researchers to engage fully with the literature on PAR, but rather need a simple way to ensure their collaborative partners understand the research process they have committed to. This paper presents ‘The 7Cs of Participatory Action Research’ framework, a clear model that both novice action researchers and participant-researchers could use as a starting point for identifying key action research experts and identifying their own unique PAR approach relevant to their context. The framework provides a brief overview of the literature related to each concept and poses a series of questions that can inform the planning phase of the research so that participant-researchers can visualise putting PAR methodology into practice.