PS282 Chapter 10: PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH I
Document Summary
Effective program implementation requires you understand context in which you work and that you continually make program adaptions to fit reality of your setting. Adaptions must be based on empirical knowledge gained through participatory action research paradigm. Process of successful implementation/innovation must be participatory in nature. Can rely on existing structure, develop new connections b/w existing organizations, develop new committee etc but must ensure all key stakeholders have collaborative role. Participatory action research: research (assessment) continually informs action (implementation) and vice versa, process is cyclical and ongoing. Iatrogenic effects: unintended, harmful consequences of helpful intervention plan. Inmates serving life in nj began program they believed would deter young people from life of crime. Juvenile defenders brought to prison to be scared/given brutal view of life which resulted in documentary that claimed 94% success rate thus program widely replicated. None of these evaluations of programs included control groups or random assignment.
