Theorizing Participatory Research

A wide variety of scientific research projects include public participation in roles going beyond the classic use of subjects in human subjects research. “Participatory research” is an umbrella term for such projects. In this chapter, we begin by surveying the variety of participatory research approaches across fields. We examine what goals participatory research projects seek to achieve, both of social and scientific value. Next, we apply this theoretical framework to challenges that participatory research faces. We then survey three typologies of participatory research projects, each of which can illuminate and guide decisions in project development. We end with a look at participatory research approaches in health contexts, applying the theoretical resources we introduced earlier in the chapter.