2.
3.
4.
5.
impact local socio-economic and/or environmental well-being. The community
may request that specific terms and conditions be appended to the research
permit or funding agreement; however, the researcher has sole responsibility for
defining the research questions or designing the study scope.
Community input to project design – Local knowledge (e.g. of conditions
in the area of interest, or of seasonal dynamics in a study population) is consulted
to improve the technical aspects of the research (e.g. to develop more effective
sampling designs or data collection protocols); however, the researcher retains
responsibility for defining research objectives, questions, and scope.
Community input in defining project objectives – Researchers approach
community agencies with a general project theme or topic, and solicit local input
in developing more specific research objectives and methods. Research questions can be framed to maximize the relevance of the study to local needs and interest.
Research transfer to community control – Researchers respond to
community needs/suggestions and aim for a research evolution in which the
community itself expands the work or takes over the project.
Community-initiated and directed research (maximal involvement) –
The community identifies a key local need or concern, develops, and implements
a research project.They may invite researchers to help/contribute where deemed
appropriate or desirable.
Field Work
1. Basic participation (minimal involvement) – Community members participate passively as research subjects (informants) or a local guide is hired to ensure travel or research safety.
2. Assistant with little to no input – Community members undertake the role
of data entry, or data collection according to set protocols established by
researchers (e.g. wildlife harvest surveys or specimen/environmental data collection programs). Assistants may be identified by seeking out local high school
graduates, local/regional college diploma or certificate graduates, or asking about
local outfitters/tour guides and translators.Very often these individuals will have
considerable training and/or expertise in various fields, and thus may match up
with skill sets being sought by researchers. However, they have little or no
involvement in methodological design.
3. Assistant with considerable input – Community members are more active
in refining research design and methods, and carrying out the study. Under the
direction of the project leader, they help organize and/or conduct field work.
Assistants may be identified as above, but here the research assistant can also
act as community liaison, even in the researcher’s absence.
A G UIDE F OR R ESEARCHERS
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