Some Thoughts on the Use of Research and Research Activities in the English-Speaking Caribbean

Abstract

This paper by Pat Ellis reflects on the practice and challenges of conventional social science research in the English-speaking Caribbean. The author critiques the objectivity and value-free claims of traditional research, arguing that the approach often alienates the subjects it aims to study and fails to address the region's pressing issues effectively. Drawing from years of community-based work in Trinidad and the broader Caribbean, Ellis emphasizes the importance of participatory research models that empower local communities and produce actionable insights. The paper also explores innovative methods, including problem dramas, group interviews, and creative arts, for engaging communities in research processes. Ellis advocates for a shift toward participatory research as a means of fostering development and self-awareness in the Caribbean, cautioning against its academic co-optation.