In qualitative research, the researcher’s attitude, opinions, and background information play a significant role in defining the outcomes of the research. Once the data is collected, the researcher applies his attitude and background information to carry out an analysis. If the attitude and background knowledge are appropriate to the case under study, the results of the study are valid and accurate. However, inappropriate background knowledge or attitude leads to a poor study, whose results are either biased or inaccurate. Kidd & Kral (2005) refer to research where the researcher participates directly in research as Participatory Action Research. They argue in the article that the attitude of the researcher determines how effective their participation will be when carrying out the research. Kidd & Kral (2005) explain that participatory action research is a dynamic process that changes with the needs, challenges, and experiences of a given group.
When taking part in participatory research, several methods are used to prepare the researcher for the task ahead. One method is the situational method. In this method, the researcher is expected first to carry out a self-assessment of his or her attitude of participation. The self-assessment helps the researcher understand the attitude changes he needs to adopt so that he or she can succeed in participatory research. The next step analyzes the right actions, participation, and knowledge required. The other possible method is referred to as critique. This method involves maintaining a critical awareness that avoids the development of ambiguity in the research. The researcher should also critique the disagreements and constraints to ensure that they are based on facts and not ambiguous ideas. In the critique method, a researcher is also expected to critique the qualities of successful research. Understanding the expectations will help him, or her guide the mental and physical participation in the right direction.
Kidd & Kral’s article describes how to carry out effective participatory research. Counseling research is a good example of participatory research, where attitudes and knowledge play a significant role. Hays, Dean, & Chang (2007) explain that in counseling, cultural awareness and training play a significant role in the counselor’s approach to certain counseling topics. The methods presented in Kidd & Kral’s article can, therefore, be applied in counseling to ensure that the counselor’s training and cultural awareness is effective in certain counseling contexts. Rowell (2006) confirms that counseling is part of PAR. He argues that in the counseling research, action research needs to be used as a link between counseling theory and practice. He emphasizes taking theory and practice as two mutually dependent activities for successful counseling research. In counseling, it should be understood that research may give unreliable outcomes due to the researcher’s ambiguity and bias. In some cases, the researchers have no idea that they are basing the research analysis on their interests or ideas. It is for this reason that Kidd & Kral (2005) explained the need for self-assessment of the researcher’s attitude and knowledge before analyzing research data. Once inappropriate knowledge and attitude are understood early enough, the necessary adjustments can be made to avoid research errors.
In conclusion, Kidd & Kral (2005) have provided a comprehensive overview of the possible ways to improve the validity of participatory action research. Since attitudes and preferences exist naturally among researchers, their effect on research outcomes can be minimized by carrying out self-assessment and making the necessary mental changes. As a counselor, I will always carry out self-assessment and ensure that my attitude is set towards achieving unbiased outcomes. For example, when counseling about drug abuse, my self-assessment will help me understand that I should eliminate the hate I harbor towards drug users and adjust my mind to perceive them as people who need my help.
References
Hays, D. G., Dean J. K., & Chang C.Y. (2007). Addressing Privilege and Oppression in Counselor Training and Practice: A Qualitative Analysis. Journal of Counseling & Development 85, 317-324
Kidd, S. A. & Kral M. J. (2005). Practicing Participatory Action Research. Journal of Counseling Psychology 52(2), 187–195
Rowell, L. L. (2006). Action Research and School Counseling: Closing the Gap between Research and Practice. Professional School Counseling 9(5), 376-384