DPLS 773: Models of

Community-Based Participatory Research

Expected Competencies:

  1. Understanding CBPR Foundations: Demonstrate knowledge of the history, principles, and ethical dimensions of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), including its social justice orientation.

  2. Collaboration with Community Partners: Develop the ability to engage communities as equitable partners in all phases of the research process, including design, data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

  3. Asset-Based Research Approaches: Apply methods that highlight community strengths, traditions, and cultural narratives, rather than deficit-based models.

  4. Interdisciplinary Research Integration: Integrate qualitative research methods, storytelling, and narrative analysis to explore complex community dynamics.

  5. Reflexivity and Ethical Commitment: Exhibit ongoing reflexivity as a researcher, acknowledging positionality, power dynamics, and the responsibilities of representing community voices.

Achieved Competencies:

  1. Historical and Narrative Integration: Developed an in-depth understanding of the role of narrative and memory in shaping community identity, particularly in rural settings like Lincoln, Arkansas.

  2. Community Asset Mapping: Used asset-based approaches to identify community strengths, rather than focusing solely on problems, highlighting untold histories and cultural traditions.

  3. Collaborative Research Design: Conducted fieldwork that engaged participants in storytelling and mutual reflection, honoring their knowledge and lived experiences.

  4. Critical Positionality: Engaged in reflexive writing throughout the course, clarifying my positional role as both a community insider and leadership scholar.

  5. Cultural Humility in Action: Practiced deep listening and cultural respect throughout interviews and participant observation, fostering trust and shared meaning-making.

Applied Competencies:

  1. Final Paper – Narrative Research and Community Storytelling in Lincoln, Arkansas: This project utilized narrative inquiry to explore how stories from Lincoln residents reflect local values, community assets, and historical resilience. I incorporated interview excerpts, thematic analysis, and critical reflections on how CBPR can deepen leadership practices rooted in place.

  2. Community Asset Mapping: Developed a visual and thematic map of Lincoln’s cultural and historical strengths, incorporating feedback from community members.

  3. Ethical Representation and Reciprocity: The research design included mechanisms for returning knowledge to the community and amplifying local voices through potential future engagement opportunities.

Artifact Inclusions:

  • Final Paper: Narrative Research in Lincoln, Arkansas
    A qualitative research project based on interviews with Lincoln residents, analyzing community identity, leadership, and change through the lens of CBPR. This paper weaves together themes of legacy, resilience, and place-based knowledge using narrative and critical reflection.

References:

  • Israel, B. A., Eng, E., Schulz, A. J., & Parker, E. A. (Eds.). (2013). Methods for community-based participatory research for health (2nd ed.). Jossey-Bass.

  • Minkler, M., & Wallerstein, N. (Eds.). (2008). Community-based participatory research for health: From process to outcomes. Jossey-Bass.

  • Clandinin, D. J. (2007). Handbook of narrative inquiry: Mapping a methodology. Sage.

  • Freire, P. (2000). Pedagogy of the oppressed. Continuum.

  • Tuck, E. (2009). Suspending damage: A letter to communities. Harvard Educational Review, 79(3), 409–427.

  • Thomas, D. R. (2006). A general inductive approach for analyzing qualitative evaluation data. American Journal of Evaluation, 27(2), 237–246.

Keywords:

Community-based participatory research, narrative inquiry, Lincoln Arkansas, place-based leadership, community storytelling, asset-based development, reflexivity, cultural humility, social justice research, ethical engagement.