Participatory Action Research: Negotiated Programming

Poll and Survey Participant Feedback

The aim of the survey participant is not to get statistical data representative of the population but to induce the participation of stakeholders at all stages of the process of conducting the survey. The aim is for participants to identify their problems while conducting practice. The self-test phase concludes with the formulation of a document negotiated with the first report.

Techniques and Tools for Negotiated Programming

In the negotiated planning phase, fieldwork is conducted, the information gathered is analyzed, and the second and final report is produced. Practices can be divided into two blocks depending on whether the goal is to gather information or process it:

• a) Collection of information: This does not differ from what is usually used in any social research project. The qualitative perspective is typically used here, utilizing specific instruments such as individual or group open interviews, focus groups, participant observation, etc.
• b) Process information: Contrary to what happens in standard social research, this is conducted in a participatory manner. The researcher brings the information to the workshops and assemblies, and participants act as synthesizing devices. This is the time when the roles are reversed. In practice, researchers do some of the summary work; workshops are not returned the transcripts of the groups and interviews, but a preliminary analysis is performed. What is relevant is that the process of investigation concludes with a report negotiated and agreed upon by all participants.

The Second IAP Report and Action Plan

The second report produced by the IAP (Participatory Action Research) is intended to be returned to the participants and will mark the beginning of the proposed activities. Its basic structure is:

1. Title of the project.
2. Basis (proof of IAP).
3. Definition of the objectives of the IAP.
4. Methodological design.
5. Contextualization of research.
6. Diagnosis of the problems detected.
7. Findings supported by all the information gathered.
8. Proposed concrete actions.
9. Appendices.
10. References.

This report highlights the specific actions proposed; the participants claim the plan of activities to be undertaken to solve the problems identified. The tasks to be undertaken by different institutions involved to produce the desired transformation are also incorporated. This is when the researcher should withdraw so that the action is transferred exclusively to the participants.