Emergent analysis and dissemination within participatory research

Authentic participation involving jointly undertaken analysis of data and dissemination of findings is rarely evident in participatory research involving disabled people. This paper examines analysis and dissemination which offers greater participation, providing a theoretical underpinning for this approach. This conceptualization arises from ARCHES, a museum education and access research project involving over 200 disabled people and a systematic review undertaken as part of this project. A few studies, including ARCHES, have moved beyond traditional research analysis to recognize the evolving nature of the ‘messy space’ and how this may inform approaches to data and dissemination. This paper frames this space as the While of participation, a concept which emerged from the systematic literature review and from working within ARCHES. It explores how the While of participation is experienced in practice, in relation to analysis and dissemination. In particular it focuses upon its emergent nature. Within this project and occasionally elsewhere in the literature, data analysis and dissemination are not retrospective or separated activities, but arise as part of the ongoing participatory process, where immersion and dialogue are at the root of all knowledge development and sharing.