Technology and community-engaged research

Abstract

The purpose of this case study and discussion is to demonstrate how technology can be harnessed to enhance the performance of research teams involved in community-engaged research. Case examples from an interdisciplinary, community-engaged research project in a midsize city in the southern United States are presented to demonstrate the applicability of certain technology tools. This study examined how researchers used technology in the field to manage the project and facilitate effective communication, enhance data collection, and engage community members. Lessons learned from the field and implications for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Technology
• participatory action research
• community based participatory research
• impact of technology

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge academic partners at the Office of Social Service Research and Development, of Louisiana State University, for their contribution to this research.

Additional information

Funding

This research was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ; grant number 2013-AJ-BX-0002). Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of DOJ.