After the emergence of the field of psychology, the science of behavior and mental processes, psychologists (Pennsylvania State University, 2022) have discovered much about why and what causes us to behave in a certain way. Even though we cannot say that psychology explains everything we do as human beings, several psychological discoveries have significantly changed our society. Psychological findings have allowed us to think differently about mental illnesses by, for example, transforming our views of mental disorders from behaviors caused by demonic possessions to diagnosable medical conditions. As such, various psychological findings have improved our understanding of human behaviors and our ability to solve associated problems. Psychologists often attempt to apply their skills and knowledge to social concerns to find practical solutions and improvements. Participatory action research (PAR)—a process of research, education, and action—is an effective approach for psychologists to bring about positive social change by using their skills and training while contributing to knowledge generation within the field (Hall, 1981). Let us review how psychologists use PAR to bring about positive social change by discussing the basic guidelines of PAR, its real-life implementation, and its benefits over other research methods.
Despite the diversity within the theoretical bases of PAR, Budd Hall claimed that PAR generally follows three basic guidelines (1981). First, he stated that PAR originates and has been successful with traditionally oppressed populations, such as groups of Indigenous people, immigrants, labor organizations, and women’s groups. Second, PAR aims to achieve positive social change by addressing specific community concerns and the causes of oppression. Third, PAR is an all-in-one process of research, education, and action that allows all participants to contribute their skills and knowledge and to learn and transform through research.
As many previous PAR studies have been successful, PAR has begun to gain ground in the field of psychology. Susan Yeich and Ralph Levine (1992) is one such example of a successful PAR study, as it established a homeless persons’ union in East Lensing, Michigan. The research included a variety of activities, including speaking in university classes, presenting at workshops, meetings with politicians, registering homeless people to vote, organizing public demonstrations, receiving media attention, fundraising, and networking, and recruiting union members. At the same time, the research addressed the fundamental causes of homelessness in the community and examined further problems that homelessness can bring to our society.
Even though PAR uses methodologies similar to traditional social science research, such as community questionnaires and interviews, it has distinctive benefits over other research methods. The fundamental difference in PAR is that community members can determine the methods used to employ, carry out the research, and analyze the results by utilizing a variety of approaches outside the field of psychology (Brydon-Miller, 1997). PAR often involves different approaches, such as political action, community meetings, educational camps, and conferences, to bring successful social change (Brydon-Miller, 1997). Moreover, PAR allows psychologists greater involvement and commitment to addressing social issues based on the skills and knowledge of their professions.
Although discoveries in the field of psychology can solve not all social issues, many psychologists aim to make our society a better place by applying their skills and knowledge. However, a single action cannot bring about social change, as individuals who seek change continually face various economic and political obstacles. Participatory action research can be a unique and practical way to bring positive social change because it allows psychologists to apply their knowledge to actions directly and to increase their involvement in and commitment to societal issues.
References
Brydon-Miller, M. (1997). Participatory Action Research: Psychology and Social Change. Journal of Social Issues, 53(4), 657–666.
Hall, B. (198I). Participatory research, popular knowledge and power: A personal reflection. Convergence, /4(3), 6 1 7.
Pennslyvania State University. (2022). Chapter 1 What is Psychology? Lecture notes.
Yeich, S.,& Levine, R. (1992). Participatory research’s contribution to a conceptualization of empowerment. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 22(24), 189&1908.
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