This study investigated the effects of youth-led participatory research on the psychological empowerment of 401 students attending urban public schools. The authors found that attending a participatory research elective class during the school day was associated with increases in students’ sociopolitical skills, motivation to influence their schools and communities, and participatory behavior. The implications for participatory research and related youth development interventions are discussed.
Ozer, E. J. & Douglas, L. (2013). The impact of participatory research on urban teens: An experimental evaluation. Journal of Community Psychology, 51(1-2), 66-75. Full Text.