Participatory Qualitative Research Methodologies in Health

With this delightful collection, Higginbottom and Liamputtong advance the art and science of collaborative community based action research. The wisdom in these pages derives from a deeply ethical commitment to social justice grounded in solidly informed and creative methodological technique.

Involving people and communities in research has never been as important or as challenging. This accessible and comprehensive step-by-step guide provides vital clarity and essential help to researchers across disciplines, methods and cultures.

This book offers an excellent introduction to participatory research. It guides the reader full circle from the historical roots to the implementation of findings. It covers project planning and organization, a detailed discussion of ethical issues, and issues around methods of data collection, data management and analysis. This is complemented by chapters on special topics like working with elderly, children and youth or ethno-cultural groups and the implementation of new technologies. I recommend the book for both the use in the classroom as well as for researchers who are interested in conducting participatory community research.

Engaging individuals, families and communities in the development of programs and services is increasingly important in our culturally diverse and pluralistic global community. This text provides crucial information for individuals hoping to make a difference and increase access to health care, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations.

The book has a clear and understandable style: each chapter follows a set format, setting out aims, objectives, practical tips and recommendations. Short vignettes bring the text alive, with extensive bibliographies accompanying each chapter.