Conducting Peer Research: Learning From the Evaluation of a Parenting Support Intervention

Peer research has the potential to increase community engagement in research and improve understanding of the data co-produced. However, there is a dearth of research on how to effectively conduct peer research with parents. The current study aimed to collect the views and experiences of parents who...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Catarina Leitão, Jefrey Shumba, Tara Scott
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SAGE Publishing 2023-10-01
Series:International Journal of Qualitative Methods
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069231211775
Description
Summary:Peer research has the potential to increase community engagement in research and improve understanding of the data co-produced. However, there is a dearth of research on how to effectively conduct peer research with parents. The current study aimed to collect the views and experiences of parents who were peer researchers in the evaluation of a parenting support intervention. Four parents participated in semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed via thematic analysis. Results indicated that peer research tasks were perceived as becoming easier with practice. Benefits of peer research included increased awareness of the organisation’s work, enjoyment of the process, exposure to learning new things, and continued networks among peer researchers. Facilitating factors for peer research included availability and accessibility of the organisation’s support, and opportunities for knowledge and information sharing among peer researchers. Main challenges experienced related to the training provided, previous experience in qualitative research, coding difficulties, and procedures regarding the organisation of the peer research process. Parents also shared ways of improving the peer research process in the future regarding structures to support the coordinating researcher and continued involvement of the same pool of peer researchers, given the acquired experience. Studying the peer research process has the potential to increase the understanding of peer researchers’ needs, preferences, and resources, and to inform research aimed at supporting families.
ISSN:1609-4069