Participatory Action Research Projects: Phases and Self-Diagnosis (IAP)

This type of project continues to follow the traditional mode of social researchers' work. The project's openness is low. Roles between researcher and observed are not exchanged. The researcher remains the synthesizer and the observed are passive actors in this task.

Project in Participatory Action Research (IAP)

In practice, the heterogeneity of goals and approaches in open investigation results in conceptual differences between projects (projects in institutional environments: enterprises, schools, etc., or projects with socially transformative movements, NGOs, etc.).

Phases

1. Self-diagnostics.
2. Negotiated programming.
3. Formulation of proposals and outreach to other levels.
4. Development of proposals.
5. Assessment.

Self-Diagnosis

The self-diagnosis identifies the general problems that affect the community in which the IAP will be carried out and defines, clearly and relevant to the situation, the subjects and the frame of reference for the project. The self-diagnosis is implemented by all actors involved in the project (stakeholders, researchers, and promoters). This is a moment of collection and compilation of information relevant to the project. Participation of all actors involved in the process (researchers and participants) may remain differentiated during this phase.

Usually Performed in Two Stages

1. Participation limited to researchers and developers. In this stage the financial limits, time, and human resources that can be provided to the design are defined. Much of the demand that will shape the project is defined here. A first approach to problems, scenarios, and likely targets of the project is performed. The research team is formed, coordination tasks are distributed, and a preliminary document that could become the project is drafted. This stage sets limits on which part of the action will be investigational. A preliminary design document is produced.

2. Open to local actors. Through workshops and meetings, the various groups that researchers believe may be involved in the project are convened. This process results in:

   1. The diffusion and orderly discussion of the preliminary project among the community.
   2. The identification of all actors and the relationships that exist among them.
   3. The formation of a project monitoring team which represents interested actors and entities.
   4. The formation of the IAP group (researchers and participants) that will ensure the promotion and implementation of project activities.
   5. The production of a participatory self-diagnosis document.