African regional workshop on participatory research (1-7 July): "From clarity to Anarchy – Participatory research approach"

Abstract

This paper by Dr. Rajesh Tandon discusses the methodology of participatory research approach (PRA) as a critique to another lead paper on PRA and compares it to classical research approaches. The paper starts with the critique of the classical research approach for its rigid delimitation of thinking as the only valid mode of inquiry, negating the humanity of the researcher. Further, it talks about the eclecticism of participatory research as a reflection of multiple modes of inquiry, as opposed to the narrow approach of classical research. The paper also addresses the criticism of participatory research ignoring material causation of an issue, leading to its subjective analysis. It presents joint analysis by people and researchers as a main feature of PRA. The paper concludes by stating the anarchic nature of PRA as its strength rather than its weakness.