Participatory Research. Part 1: Key features and underlying philosophy

The potential of participatory research to improve health and wellbeing, particularly within marginalised communities, is increasingly being recognised. Such research is characterised by working with a community, changing the balance of power, a different role for the researcher, active participation of the community at all stages of the research process, the production of ‘useful’ knowledge and a commitment to action. Each of these areas is explored to provide readers with an understanding of both the key features of participatory research and its underlying philosophy.