Using Participants as Consultants: Foster Scholar's Contributions to Research
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
12-1-2021 4:20 PM
End Date
12-1-2021 4:40 PM
Abstract
Learning from participants in qualitative research is a privilege. Decades of scholarship guides qualitative researchers with inclusive methodology that elevates participants’ experiences. Inclusion in research projects can include member checking, key informant interviews, and making sure participants are adequately compensated for their knowledge and time. Yet, many times the participants are not used to co-create knowledge in the research process at a peer-level with researchers on the project. Using participants as research consultants on mixed-methods projects elevates their role from information source to co-creator of knowledge in the research process. Not all participants will be in the position to provide research advice or feedback on the research design. However, if it is possible, we should make efforts to bring participant consultants into the research process. This paper explores not only the ethics of conducting research with people who have lived experienced in foster care but also how using Foster Scholars (academics with lived experience in foster care) as research consultants on projects when working with people with lived experience in foster care is the research focus. Participants will receive actionable steps for how to work with Foster Scholars when doing social work research.
Keywords
Foster care, Foster Scholars, Mixed-Methods research, qualtiative consultants
Using Participants as Consultants: Foster Scholar's Contributions to Research
Learning from participants in qualitative research is a privilege. Decades of scholarship guides qualitative researchers with inclusive methodology that elevates participants’ experiences. Inclusion in research projects can include member checking, key informant interviews, and making sure participants are adequately compensated for their knowledge and time. Yet, many times the participants are not used to co-create knowledge in the research process at a peer-level with researchers on the project. Using participants as research consultants on mixed-methods projects elevates their role from information source to co-creator of knowledge in the research process. Not all participants will be in the position to provide research advice or feedback on the research design. However, if it is possible, we should make efforts to bring participant consultants into the research process. This paper explores not only the ethics of conducting research with people who have lived experienced in foster care but also how using Foster Scholars (academics with lived experience in foster care) as research consultants on projects when working with people with lived experience in foster care is the research focus. Participants will receive actionable steps for how to work with Foster Scholars when doing social work research.