EQUALITY GUIdE - KU Leuven

188 Equality Guide
3.1. Qualitative and participative research methodology
The purpose was to work as much as possible with the knowledge, experiences and
expertise of the female researchers themselves. For this reason, a qualitative research
method was preferred. Moreover, the researchers aimed for a mixture and diversity of
opinions, attitudes, values, experiences, etc by opting for a participative research
method. This is a useful method because it creates the possibility to give access to
everyone who wants to make a (relevant) contribution in providing solutions and plans
for the future, to take along as many values and opinions, and to have a broad group
reflect on the problems. Moreover, controversial points of view and several opinions
are brought together. Finally, participative research increases the knowledge and
awareness of the participants, creates a network of relevant persons and more support
for the programmes and initiatives that come from the project. The method is also
appropriate with respect to mutual learning 235 .
In participative research, participants are actively involved in the research during all
phases: project set-up, method development, collection, interpretation and evaluation
of data and formulation of recommendations.
Conditions to succeed in participative research 236 :
! make clear in the beginning what the aim/role/function of the session(s) is for all
participants;
! consider participation as an instrument;
! make clear where the participants can contribute, which role they play in the research;
! support aims you would like to achieve, always give feedback on the different
phases to avoid frustration and set-up a framework;
! for each session, explain its aim and its place in the entire training;
! respectfully ask dominant people to link their contribution to the aim of the session
(e.g.: “how can this help us?”);
! encourage the more silent people to participate actively;
! general remark about participation: good research and results do not always constitute
a good idea or plan; always review them with scientific theories.
Focus group sessions
There are several methods for conducting participative research. This module used the
familiar form of focus groups 237 : a small group (maximum 12 people) discusses under
the supervision of a moderator. The method can be considered as a crossover between
an interview and a discussion and is used when there is a need to explore the concept
and to generate creative ideas. It is a very suitable method for collecting opinions and
235 Slocum, N. (2003). Participatory Methods Toolkit. Brussel: ViWta, Koning Boudewijn Stichting.
236 Conversation on the 22th of November 2005, with one of the participants, Nadia Molenaers, who has
experience with the method of participatory research.
237 Slocum N. (2003), op.cit., p. 97-105.