Reflection Paper (Participatory Research) Participation and cooperation are only two of the essential qualities a member of a group

should possess but without these qualities, a group would have difficulties in executing their certain task. Likewise with research, participation should be formed between the members of the community and the researchers in order for their study to be a success. As defined by the group, participatory research is a type of research that emphasizes the collaboration of the researchers and the members of the community. It is where the people are considered as subject rather than the object of the research. As the subject of the research, they are the ones together with the researchers gather data, analyze the information and use the information to generate action for change. They also discussed its 4 major types, the principles of participatory research, traditional research versus participatory research, qualitative and quantitative tools used during research and the community research process. Among the things discussed, the comparison between participatory research and traditional research caught my interest. I learned how advantageous participatory research is. Compared to the traditional way of researching, participatory research is done only at a short period of time at a very low cost. Also, it is very flexible and participative and non-hierarchical. It does not require much statistical analysis. After the presentation of the slides, the group presented a game wherein the audience was divided into various groups- the government, the jeepney drivers, students and the under people. The game was a discussion of whether to approve fair hike or not. Each group is given the chance to state their analysis and opinion about the problem and suggestion of solutions to answer the identified problem. From that discussion, I saw what the group was trying to emphasize. I saw that each group that constitutes the community works hand in hand in order to decide on something. From there on, all learns from one another. Hence, it was much easier to do things when everyone participates and no one mandates what the others should do. Instead, everyone is treated fairly though each group functions in a different way. The group gave a lot of information making the report overwhelming. That is why I have difficulty in listening to them. I would have more appreciated the report if it was simpler. However, I saw how the group prepared for their report. Every detail and information in the slide is explained by the reporters. Although having Japanese group mates is quite challenging for the group, the reporter still went well. As for the Japanese reporters, they have difficulty in speaking English but it never hindered them from expressing what they want to tell the audience. I applaud them for their effort. It was also good that a game was presented. The game did not only bridge interaction between the audience and the reporters but also gave way to a better understanding of what participatory research is in terms of its research processes.