Participatory Action Research (PAR)

CBS research uses a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. This method has two main goals: the generation of scientific knowledge and the achievement of meaningful action.

PAR is highly effective because it allows for continuous monitoring of the intervention. Researchers play an active advisory role during implementation, enabling them to propose alternative strategies based on ongoing research observations and the specific context in which the intervention is applied.

Key Characteristics of PAR

• Participative: All stakeholders are involved, from the advisory committee to sociotherapists at the grassroots level.
• Mixed Methods Research: Qualitative methods capture social complexity, while quantitative data provide a broader overview, strengthening interpretation.
• Reflective: Continuous critical reflection on the intervention process and outcomes.
• Responsive: Researchers can respond immediately to emerging challenges during implementation.
• Emergent and Cyclical: The research unfolds through multiple cycles, allowing interpretations to be tested, refined, and improved.

Data Collection Tools