How does COPAR differ from traditional research methods?

COPAR, or Community-Based Participatory Action Research, distinguishes itself from traditional research methods primarily through its emphasis on collaboration and mutual benefit. The focus on mutual benefit means that all stakeholders, particularly community members, actively participate in the research process. This collaboration ensures that the research addresses the genuine needs and concerns of the community, leading to outcomes that are beneficial not only to the researchers but also to the subjects involved.

In contrast to traditional methods, where research might be conducted in isolation by researchers who may not engage deeply with the communities being studied, COPAR prioritizes community engagement at every stage. This active involvement fosters empowerment and capacity building within the community, allowing for a richer, more informed understanding of the issues at hand. By working together, researchers and community members can co-create knowledge and solutions that are more relevant and sustainable.

The other options highlight aspects that are not characteristic of COPAR. For instance, COPAR does not rely solely on quantitative data; instead, it values qualitative data and lived experiences that provide a comprehensive perspective of the community's context. Furthermore, it does not promote competition among researchers but rather encourages collaboration and partnership. Lastly, community engagement is a cornerstone of COPAR, making it fundamentally different from methods that might exclude or overlook community