Clark, Ralph J.Bagnall, Richard G.2024-12-162024-12-160000Clark, R. J., & Bagnall, R. G. Participatory Research: An Evolving Approach to Research and Social Action in Adult Education. Department of Continuing Education, University of New England, Armidale, N.S.W.http://192.9.200.215:4000/handle/123456789/298The paper critically explores the principles and practices of participatory research in adult education and social action, offering insights into its methodological distinctiveness and challenges. It includes a comparative analysis of participatory research and traditional survey research approaches, advocating for the inclusion of research participants in the process to ensure meaningful and impactful outcomes.This paper provides an overview of the essential characteristics, purposes, and methodologies of participatory research, particularly in adult education and social action. It discusses the epistemological, methodological, and political aspects of participatory research and highlights its role as an evolving approach. Central characteristics such as the commitment to involving research subjects in the process and its orientation towards social betterment are examined. The paper also outlines the historical roots, conceptual frameworks, and global examples of participatory research, emphasizing its transformative potential and challenges within diverse fields of application.enParticipatory researchadult educationsocial actionepistemologymethodologycommunity involvementSocial Research MethodologiesAction-Oriented ResearchWorking Paper