Community research within a social constructionist epistemology: implications for “Scientific Rigor”

Abstract

Evaluation research continues to be dominated by the positivist paradigm and a commitment to factual and value free research. Policy makers and associated evaluators, in particular, consistently approach program evaluation from a positivist perspective in which methodological rigor is assessed through their interpretation of valid and generalizable results. More recently, mixed-method approaches have been adopted with qualitative methods used in combination with quantitative. However, the exclusive use of qualitative methods is less regular. With a focus on social justice shifting from the margins to the center of evaluation research, there is a call for qualitative study and participatory evaluation where planning and evaluation are not predetermined and instead embrace the voices of stakeholders and participants. This has coincided with the emergence of various methods and branches of evaluation research including empowerment research evaluation, collaborative research, and community participatory research. This paper advocates a constructionist approach in community engaged research as an appropriate and necessary approach within increasingly culturally diverse societies in Australia and the United Kingdom.

Keywords:

• evaluation
• immigration
• research methods
• public policy

Notes

1. GP registration data are not complete. Migrants generally choose to register with a GP only if they need medical attention. Undocumented migrants are reluctant to register at all. Furthermore, the database only includes those migrants who have registered directly after arriving from overseas. Nonetheless, GP registration is the best source of data for identifying the nature of the new migrant population. It should be viewed as partial and a picture of the minimum levels of diversity.

2. An investigation of perceptions, impact and outcomes associated with DOH Housing Services within the North and West Metropolitan region of Melbourne funded by the Office of Housing, Department of Human Services, Victoria, Australia.