Emergent analysis and dissemination within participatory research

Abstract

Authentic participation involving jointly undertaken analysis of data and dissemination of findings is rarely evident in participatory research involving disabled people. This paper examines analysis and dissemination which offers greater participation, providing a theoretical underpinning for this approach. This conceptualization arises from ARCHES, a museum education and access research project involving over 200 disabled people and a systematic review undertaken as part of this project. A few studies, including ARCHES, have moved beyond traditional research analysis to recognize the evolving nature of the 'messy space' and how this may inform approaches to data and dissemination. This paper frames this space as the While of participation, a concept which emerged from the systematic literature review and from working within ARCHES. It explores how the While of participation is experienced in practice, in relation to analysis and dissemination. In particular it focuses upon its emergent nature. Within this project and occasionally elsewhere in the literature, data analysis and dissemination are not retrospective or separated activities, but arise as part of the ongoing participatory process, where immersion and dialogue are at the root of all knowledge development and sharing.

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on refugee communities in San Diego, California: A participatory action research cross-sectional study

“…Recognizing the democratic and reflective principles underlying participatory research, all analytic decisions were made through iterative, collaborative discussions between [Details omitted for blind peer-review] and [Details omitted for blind peer-review]( Bergold & Thomas, 2012 ; Rix et al, 2021 ). These conversations were intended to ensure that the primary endpoints and analytic approach was consistent with [Details omitted for blind peer-review] institutional mission to “fight to enhance the full economic, social, and civic inclusion of refugees in the San Diego region, throughout Caliornia, and across the country” ( Anonymous, 2022 ).…”

Taking risks to enable participatory data analysis and dissemination: a research note

“…This understanding informed our response to data analysis and dissemination (Rix et al, 2020b). In the context of a participatory research group, data emerge within and through the while; and if analysis and dissemination are to be part of the while, then they too must be emergent.…”

Participatory digital approaches to embedding student wellbeing in higher education

“…Participatory research can be deeply creative, with a wide variety of different methods for managing effective participation (Flewitt et al, 2018;Rix et al, 2020;. However, with any kind of participatory research, it is important to ensure that the partner participants are contributing within their comfort zone, feel part of the project, and are not uncomfortable, over-stretched or exploited.…”