Research Methods for Community Change
A Project-Based Approach
- Randy Stoecker - University of Wisconsin - Madison, Chile
“In its community-based focus and careful attention to the micro, inter-group and institutional dynamics of project centered research in and with communities, this text stands alone. I am not aware of another text that provides such an in-depth framework and rationale for community-centered research practice, as well as grounded details and guidance on the opportunities and challenges in integrating research more effectively and equitably through the different stages of the project cycle.”
'Research Methods for Community Change is a valuable text for undergraduate and graduate students alike. Readers seeking to understand new directions in social science research generally, or embark on their own community-based research will be well served by the mix of theory and practice, real-world examples, and student-friendly tone. [...] He is to be praised for offering a means for the next generation to engage in the communities in which they live, rather than remain holed up in a computer lab somewhere, trying in vain to find meaningful correlations instead of simply asking more meaningful and community-informed questions'
I chose this "textbook" because it is the "BEST FIT" for my teaching philosophy and practice involving project based learning through community focused action research projects by criminal justice, social work and gerontology students, all of whom take a common research methods course in their junior year titled "Research Methods for the Human Services."
PSY 4339: Seminar in Community Psychology integrates applied research knowledge.
Excellent description of community based research. Great insights into the challenges of doing community research and working in academia.
Focus too narrow for my course, i.e., not the best fit for an introductory social work research course. Great supplement to other texts for students interested in community-based research.
I did not formally adopt, but have recommended it to students interested in PAR and community-based programming/research
Book is aligned with the most current issues facing community change and allows for class discussion based on topic areas highlighted in book.
Good basic overview of participatory action research and approaches to conducting research with communities.
Currently using this text, excellent for the class of international development and economic development graduate students.
