7 PAR, Ethnography and Feminist Research

Introduction

Research methods are strategies and procedures that researchers employ to gather and examine data in order to produce knowledge and respond to research questions. Western positivist models, which emphasize the use of quantitative methodologies, standardized data gathering techniques, and objective analysis, are frequently at the foundation of the traditional research methods taught in textbooks. Nevertheless, there are numerous alternative research techniques that differ from, oppose, or complete the conventional techniques. This essay examines a few of these alternative approaches and discusses how they stack up against the discipline’s current research methodologies.

Participatory action research (PAR) is one approach to study that deviates from the conventional positivist model. A collaborative research strategy known as PAR involves involving the subjects of the study directly in the process of research. By incorporating communities in developing research questions and methodologies, gathering and analyzing data, and communicating findings, PAR seeks to empower communities (Nelson, 2017). This approach is frequently employed in disciplines like social work and community psychology since it is especially well-suited to study with marginalized communities.

Ethnography, a different research approach from the conventional model, necessitates an extended period of time spent observing a group of people in their natural environment as part of the qualitative research method (Ploder & Hamann, 2020). Qualitative data gathering methods like interviews and participant observation are used by ethnographers to get a thorough grasp of the customs, values, and practices of the group they are researching. Social sciences like sociology and anthropology frequently use ethnography.

Feminist research is a third approach to research that opposes the conventional positivist model. The goal of feminist research is to challenge societal power disparities and better comprehend the perspectives of women and other marginalized groups (Kaur & Nagaich, 2019). In order to gather data, feminist researchers frequently employ qualitative techniques like focus groups and interviews. They place a strong emphasis on reflexivity and the recognition of the positionality of the researcher.

These research techniques are in contrast to the conventional techniques taught in the course’s assigned readings. “Research Design” by Creswell and Creswell (2018) focuses on the three primary research approaches: mixed methodologies, qualitative, and quantitative. Although they briefly address ethnography and participatory action research, the emphasis is on more organized research techniques like surveys and experiments. Similar to this, Fundamentals of Political Science Research by Kellstadt and Whitten (2009) emphasizes quantitative research techniques like regression analysis and experimental designs. Participatory action research, feminist research, or qualitative research approaches are not covered in detail throughout the book.

A blend of both quantitative and qualitative techniques has proven to be effective in my own work. For instance, in my past research regarding the perspectives of women in leadership positions, I utilized surveys to collect quantitative data regarding the number of women with leadership positions in various industries. To learn more about the struggles and experiences of women in leadership roles, I later conducted interviews with them. In order to guarantee that the study was respectful and inclusive of the experiences of the participants, I also applied feminist research principles.

In my own society, I have noticed the usage of storytelling as a method of research. In order to transmit wisdom and knowledge to younger generations, elders and community members frequently share personal experiences and stories. These stories can also be utilized as a way of learning the culture and history of the community and might be a significant source of data for research (Datta, 2017).

In conclusion, there are numerous other research techniques that differ from, complement, or contrast the conventional techniques taught in textbooks. These techniques include ethnography, feminist research, and participatory action research, to name a few. Although these techniques can contradict the conventional positivist framework, they are not mutually exclusive and may be used with other techniques.

References

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. SAGE Publications, Inc.

Datta, R. (2017). Traditional storytelling: An effective indigenous research methodology and its implications for environmental research. AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples, 14(1), 35–44. https://doi.org/10.1177/1177180117741351

Kaur, R., & Nagaich, S. (2019). Understanding Feminist Research Methodology in Social Sciences. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.3392500

Kellstedt, P. M., & Whitten, G. D. (2009). The Fundamentals of Political Science Research. Cambridge University Press.

Nelson, D. (2017). Participatory Action Research: A Literature Review. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.30944.17927/1

Ploder, A., & Hamann, J. (2020). Practices of ethnographic research: Introduction to the special issue. Journal of Contemporary Ethnography, 50(1), 3–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/0891241620979100