When Research Learns From Practice: Synthesized Action Research on the BIKVA Model

Abstract

Purpose: The article reports on 20 years application of a user involvement methodology that was developed in the context of social work – the BIKVA Model. Through an analysis of its practical implementation, a novel form of action research emerges: Synthesised Action Research (SAR). Method: A scoping review of 69 practitioner reports is conducted and inductive content analysis is used. Results: The application of the BIKVA Model by practitioners reveals new variations that represent empirical translations which make the model fit better to various purposes and levels of engagement. Moreover, it highlights its application in policy areas beyond the original scope: social work. Conclusion: By identifying and elaborating the SAR contribution, the article demonstrates that considerable insights can be gained from analysing practitioners use of academic models and methodologies, providing a more nuanced understanding that can be used to enrich and nuance what was originally intended.