Making decisions together? Exploring the decision-making process in an inclusive research project

Abstract

This article explores the decision-making process with a group of people with learning difficulties in an inclusive research project. The article explores the literature around people with learning difficulties and decision-making, drawing in particular on studies using conversation analysis. Three examples drawn from the research process and illustrated by transcripts of video data are then examined critically to unpick the author’s claims of collaborative decision-making.

Keywords:

• Inclusive research
• learning disabilities
• decision-making

Notes

1. ‘Supporter’ is used here to signify those who work formally or informally with people with learning difficulties in ways which could be construed either superficially or in actuality as being allies.

2. MPs are individuals with learning difficulties elected by other people with learning difficulties to represent their views to decision-makers and service providers.

3. It is important to note that difficulties with transport and timetabling meant that the research team divided into two geographical groups and later the author worked with the co-researchers individually.

4. I would like to thank the anonymous reviewer for their insightful and considered comments around the nature of ‘voice’ in research, highlighting that ownership of voice is complex and subject to normative assumptions.

5. SpeakUp is the (anonymised) self-advocacy group from which the co-researchers were recruited.

6. Kathy was another person who was then part of the team and later left.

7. Traditional is here used as shorthand for methods that are well established within the social sciences and, critically, were understood by the co-researchers as ‘proper’ research methods.

8. The research themes are: ‘Places I feel good going to’; ‘Places I go to regularly’; ‘Outside my front door’ and ‘Places in my past’.

9. Iceland is a chain of budget supermarkets. In Cornwall they are usually small and located in town centres, making them more accessible to people who lack access to private transport.