Broadly speaking our approach falls under the umbrella of Participative Research (PR). The focus is researching ‘with’ rather than ‘on’ people (1) recognising the unique contributions of everyone involved. PR approaches can be particularly engaging for work with vulnerable, marginalised, minority or so-called hard-to-reach groups. The techniques are democratic, pragmatic and solution-focused.
PR encompasses a range of creative techniques which encourage individuals to tap into emotion, affective experience and imagination, as well as reason. There are times when words can’t express what we want to convey: ‘some knowings cannot be conveyed through language’ (2).
We adapt our approach to the needs of specific projects. A project may culminate in a short film or more traditional written output but also possible would be an exhibition, poster or manifesto for action. We always aim to be accessible and relevant.
References:
1. Reason, P., Bradbury, H. eds (2001) Handbook of action research, participative inquiry and practice. Sage publications
2. Ellsworth, E. (2005) Place of Learning: Media, Architecture, Pedagogy. NY: Routledge/farmer.