Participatory action and dual lens research

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the idea that, in the last few decades, collaborative inquiry methods have evolved along a similar trajectory to dual lens research. Dual lens research, known in various contexts as both ways, two-eyed seeing Old Ways New Ways, and Koodjal Jinnung (looking both ways), is designed to generate new knowledge by exploring a theme through Aboriginal and contemporary western lenses. Participatory action research and a dual lens approach are considered in a number of projects with a particular focus on the issues such work can raise including conceptual challenges posed by fundamental differences between knowledge sets.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors hypothesize that a dual lens approach will become a branch of participatory action research, as such, a robust description needs to be developed and its ethical implications are considered. Existing work in this direction, including principles and processes, are collated and discussed.

Findings

Dual lens research as a branch of participatory action research is of great significance in countries with Aboriginal populations that are undergoing a cultural renaissance. As dual lens practitioners, the authors are finding their research outputs have a high positive impact on both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations and make a genuine contribution to reconciliation by finding ways of going forward together.

Originality/value

This paper joins a growing body of research that supports resonances between Aboriginal and “western” research methods.

Citation

Robertson, F., Barrow, J., Wajrak, M., Nannup, N., Bishop, C. and Nannup, A. (2017), "Participatory action and dual lens research", Qualitative Research Journal, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 283-293. https://doi.org/10.1108/QRJ-12-2016-0075