Community-Based Qualitative Research: Approaches for Education and the Social Sciences

This practical text integrates theoretical perspectives with guidelines for designing and implementing community-based qualitative research projects. Coverage of participatory research designs and approaches is complemented by chapters on specific aspects of this research process, such as developing relationships and sharing findings to strengthen programs. Included are useful handouts and templates for applying to the reader’s own projects, and end-of-chapter questions for self-reflection and class discussion. Readers will find the book’s engaging case studies, interdisciplinary real-life examples, and insights from project participants as a helpful foundation for future work in the field.

Table of Contents:
Preface: Repaying the Sea Part I: Introduction and Background to Community-Based Research 1. Theoretical and Conceptual Background Introduction Learning Goals Introduction to Related Methods Views of Teaching and Learning Chapter Summary Activities for Reflection and Discussion 2. What Is Community-Based Qualitative Research? Introduction Learning Goals Core Concepts Elements of Community-Based Qualitative Research Community-Based Qualitative Research Models, Projects, and Initiatives Chapter Summary Activities for Reflection and Discussion 3. The Role of the Researcher in Community-Based Qualitative Research Introduction Learning Objectives Examining Our Own Background, Experiences, Assumptions, and Biases Researcher Ethics and Responsibilities Chapter Summary Activities for Reflection and Discussion Part II. Project Design, Data Collection, and Analysis 4. Project Design Introduction Learning Objectives Gaining Community Access and Developing Relationships With Community Members and Institutions Identification of Goals and Project Purposes Data Collection in Community-Based Qualitative Research Chapter Summary Activities for Reflection and Discussion 5. Interviewing Introduction Learning Goals Types of Interviews Writing Interview Guidelines and Questions The Interview Chapter Summary Activities for Reflection and Discussion 6. Observations, Fieldwork, and Other Data Collection Introduction Learning Goals Observations and Fieldwork Documents, Artifacts, and Visual Data Chapter Summary Activities for Reflection and Discussion 7. Analysis of Data in Community-Based Qualitative Research Introduction Learning Goals Data Analysis Within Community-Based Qualitative Research Studies Collaboration Within the Analysis Process Chapter Summary Activities for Reflection and Discussion Part III. Next Steps: From Research to Action 8. Write-Up, Dissemination, and Transformation: Building Partnerships, Developing Reciprocal Research Relationships, and Enacting Change Introduction Learning Goals Reporting Findings From Community-Based Qualitative Research From Research to Action: Using Findings to Develop Programs, Initiatives, and Campaigns Chapter Summary Activities for Reflection and Discussion 9. Case Studies in Community-Based Qualitative Research Introduction Proyecto Atabey Intergenerational Mentorship Program for Young Mothers, Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School/Lolita Lebron Family Learning Center, Chicago, IL Women + Girls Research Alliance, University of North Carolina-Charlotte InfoMe, University of Washington, Seattle

About the Author :
Laura Ruth Johnson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Technology, Research and Assessment in the College of Education at Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL. She teaches classes in qualitative research methods, including courses in ethnographic research, interview methods, and community-based and participatory action research. Her research focuses on civic engagement and community involvement among Latino and African American youth, with a focus on young mothers. In her research, she collaborates with staff and students at an alternative high school in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community to help strengthen services and develop initiatives that focus on youth activism and intergenerational mentorship for young parents. Her teaching and research also focus on the creation of community-university partnerships and the engagement of graduate students in community-based research projects.

Review :
Increased awareness of qualitative community-based research benefits educators and community organizations. This text provides students with a solid understanding of the tenets of CBR and the positive benefits resulting from collaboration between parties interested in positive social change. This book is a very concise, useful and practical contribution to the field of community education. It is an excellent starting point for launching researchers into addressing community-based problems. Community-Based Qualitative Research: Approaches for Education and the Social Sciences provides a unique perspective of collaborating on research projects with the community. Grappling with current issues, this book provides real-world experiences to help conquer these problems. In many overview courses of qualitative research methods, community-based research gets little air time. This text helps fill in the knowledge and experience gaps for faculty and students so they can construct their own community-based class projects in a more thoughtful and reciprocal manner. It also has great learning activities that can be used in the classroom.