Dissertation
Mixed methods investigation of researcher implementation and perceptions of participatory action research with school-aged youth
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Drexel University
Aug 2022
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00001365
Abstract
Participatory Action Research (PAR) is an epistemological approach that emphasizes partnerships between academics and community members to co-create knowledge and reduce health disparities through the development of culturally informed and sustainable programs and policies. More recently, children have been viewed as acceptable partners for PAR and may stand to gain numerous benefits from participation. However, it has been difficult to make conclusions regarding best practices and benefits of PAR approaches due to factors such as inconsistency in PAR implementation and methodological reporting. A convergent mixed methods study design was utilized where phase one consisted of an interdisciplinary online survey to collect researcher demographics and frequency data regarding implementation of principles and practices. Phase two consisted of qualitative interviews with a subsample of participants. Data were analyzed separately via descriptives, factor analysis, multiple regression, and thematic analysis and integrated through connecting and merging to identify convergence and divergence. Researchers endorsed the highest implementation of building on the strengths and resources of the community and engaging youth in data collection. Researchers endorsed the lowest implementation of openly addressing diversity and involving youth in data analysis. Factor analysis resulted in four scales with minimal contribution of predictors. However, there was some indication that researchers in the fields of psychology and medical/nursing, those who work with older youth, and researchers of color may utilize PAR principles and/or practices with greater frequency. Qualitative interview data described the influence of independent variables of interest including researcher field of training, racial identity, PAR experience, setting of implementation, and age of youth partners. Qualitative data also included researcher perceptions of areas of improvement for the field and three emergent factors that impact youth participation. Data largely converged though there were also areas of divergence. Findings help to inform the future direction of research aimed to increase meaningful engagement for elementary-aged youth in research.
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Details
- Title
- Mixed methods investigation of researcher implementation and perceptions of participatory action research with school-aged youth
- Creators
- Chandler Elizabeth Puhy
- Contributors
- Brian P. Daly (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- viii, 95 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Psychological and Brain Sciences (Psychology); College of Arts and Sciences; Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991019104611404721