title: Developing theory from complexity: reflections on a collaborative mixed method participatory action research study.
abstract: Research studies are increasingly complex: They draw on multiple methods to gather data, generate both qualitative and quantitative data, and frequently represent the perspectives of more than one stakeholder. The teams that generate them are increasingly multidisciplinary. A commitment to engaging community members in the research process often adds a further layer of complexity. How to approach a synthesizing analysis of these multiple and varied data sources with a large research team requires considerable reflection and dialogue. In this article, we outline the strategies used by one multidisciplinary team committed to a participatory action research (PAR) approach and engaged in a mixed method program of research to synthesize the findings from four subprojects into a conceptual framework that could guide practice in community mental health organizations. We also summarize factors that hold promise for increasing productivity when managing complex research projects.
authors.affiliation: Wilfrid Laurier University, Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Westhues
authors.forename: Joanna
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ochocka
authors.forename: Nora
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jacobson
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Simich
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maiter
authors.forename: Rich
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Janzen
authors.forename: Augie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fleras
mesh_terms: D003256:Community Participation / Q000379:methods*; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012107:Research Design