Speaking Out: Youth Led Research as a Methodology Used with Homeless Youth
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Speaking Out: Youth Led Research as a Methodology Used with Homeless Youth Rebecca J. Gomez1 • Tiffany N. Ryan2
Published online: 21 July 2015 Springer Science+Business Media New York 2015
Abstract Participatory action research is well documented with marginalized groups, but less is known about participatory action research with homeless youth. The use of youth led research as a methodology was examined among a population of homeless youth. Peer researchers (n = 10) reported on their experience utilizing youth led research methodology. Results indicate that youth led research is a promising methodology for use among homeless youth. Participants reported that the approach positively impacted the quality and quantity of data that could be collected from participants. Further, peer researchers reported individual benefits of feeling that participating in the project mattered, that people listened to them and that they had a voice. Keywords Youth led research Peer researchers Homeless PAR
Introduction Youth led research is documented in the literature as a way to increase response rates and improve the quality of data for hard to reach populations (Fernandez, 2002). Previous
& Rebecca J. Gomez [email protected] Tiffany N. Ryan [email protected] 1
Our Lady of the Lake University, 411 SW 24th Street, San Antonio, TX 78207, USA
2
Northern Arizona University, South San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA
research has demonstrated benefits when participatory action research is used with youth populations including young children, middle school children, and as part of female empowerment. Additionally it has been documented across different programs including literacy programs, health promotion programs, and school and mental health settings (Chen, Weiss, & Nicolson, 2010; Clark, 2010; Liegghio, Nelson, & Evans, 2010; Newman, Berg, Rodriguez, & Morgan, 2010; Ozer, Gaddis, & Ritterman, 2010; Ren & Langhout, 2010). Despite this promising research base, further exploration is needed. For instance, Duckett, Kagan, and Sixsmith (2010) found that this methodology failed due to the resistance of the adults involved in the systems. Adults may be used to making decisions and running programs and may have difficulty with the power shift needed to integrate this approach. Further, as illuminated by Wong, Zimmmerman, and Parker (2010), the degree of youth participation can vary widely when this methodology is used. Although youth led research is widely used with other marginalized groups, its use with homeless youth has been limited and little is known about the impact of this methodology with this group that tends to be highly marginalized and stigmatized (O’Donoghue, Kirshner, & McLaughlin, 2004; Powers & Tiffany, 2006). This study explores the impact of youth led research on homeless youth who participated as peer researchers. Further, this paper seeks to gain insight into the impact of youth led research on the recruitment of participants and discusses peer researchers’ perceptions of whether the methodolog
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