A Socially Engaged Approach to Research: Finding Common Ground Within Qualitative Research and Action Research

Aligned with the families of participatory, decolonizing, public participation, involvement, and engagement in research, socially engaged research is an approach to research that includes “collaboration, participation, dialogue, and immersive experiences in one or more aspects of a research process (including formulating research questions, generating data, analyzing data, and presenting research results) and with the purpose of widening audience participation and positively transforming participants, communities, or society” (Wang et al., 2017, p. 7). A socially engaged research approach elevates local knowledge, norms, and priorities alongside the psychosocial, cultural, historical, political, economic, and ecological contexts of those affected. A socially engaged approach to research offers common ground for qualitative and action researchers who value the relational and public dimensions of research. Two specific practices essential to a socially engaged research approach are: (1) partnering with “insiders”—individuals not academically trained in research who collaborate in shared decision-making with researchers; and (2) using participatory research methods that engage end-users and community stakeholders throughout the research process. The purpose of this manuscript is to define and position a socially engaged approach to research, describe its rationale, and offer practical guidance, examples, and suggestions for partnering with insiders and using participatory research methods.