Refreshing Perspectives
This paper explores the application of peer research with populations facing severe and multiple disadvantage. It focuses on peer research methodologies that involve these populations and explores the key concepts and implications for the delivery and design of this research.
Peer research is a type of service user involvement that extends the expertise of experience into research. People with direct experience are involved in designing, delivering and shaping research. They generally take on the role of the researcher in studying the target group, often researching their peers.
User involvement or coproduction approaches are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent. Government and third sector bodies are increasingly willing to acknowledge that the expertise of people with direct experience of social exclusion is unique and invaluable.
This paper is part two of a series of literature reviews on severe and multiple disadvantage such as homelessness and criminal justice contact. It contains three sections:
- key concepts in peer research, discussing seven underlying theoretical concepts
- major themes in the practical application of peer research
- ethics in peer research, which spans theoretical underpinning and practical considerations.
It concludes with thoughts on where peer research on severe and multiple disadvantage could go next.
