Blending a Participatory Approach Into Qualitative Research: Principles and Implementation Steps

Since the 1990s, the authors have been guided in their rigorous qualitative research by a central ethical question: to what extent is it justifiable to collect data solely for academic purposes without contributing to the well-being of the population being studied, particularly vulnerable groups? Based on earlier (participatory) qualitative research publications, the authors describe the blending of a participatory approach into qualitative research. The paper is based on the authors’ earlier and recent additional participatory project experiences, on secondary literature, and on interviews conducted especially for this paper with fellow participatory researchers. All these -global- experiences are included and presented as case studies. The authors elaborate on characteristics and principles of their participatory approach to qualitative research and then distinguish a Participatory Qualitative Research Cycle (ParQRC). This cycle consists of a Participatory Design Cycle, a Qualitative Data Collection and Analysis Cycle, and a Participatory Action Cycle. The different constituting steps, to be taken not in a linear but iterative way, aim at guiding students and researchers and professionals in Participatory Qualitative Research.