Food for thought

How does a community based research and evaluation (CBRE) approach differ from other perhaps more conventional types of research approaches? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such an approach? What are some convergences between CBRE and CSL?

 

 A CBRE approach differs from conventional types of research approaches in that it is very qualitative based as opposed to quantitative types of research. A qualitative approach to research and evaluation requires deeper involvement with communities and within communities to better understand the issues at hand. It represents a participatory approach where researchers are involved in the process rather than an outsider looking in. Researchers are able to hear community concerns first hand as well as better understand issues and challenges from the peoples perspective. By working with communities and individuals at a personal level, it can encourage feelings of empowerment within the community and its members as well as promote social change. Community involvement can also make research more understandable to those involved.

 

Disadvantages to this type of research and evaluation can include the possibility of competing views between not just researchers and the community but between community members. Other issues involved in this approach could be that the goals of the researchers and the community do not align or are not of the biggest importance to the community. Overrepresenttiaon of specific groups of people in a community or community leaders can also create a misrepresentation  of overall community views or promote the opinions of a select few.

 

Convergences between CBRE and CSL primarily include the aspect of hands on involvement and participation with the community. Both also work towards the advancement of community knowledge and understanding.