Is Community-based Work Compatible with Data Collection?

Authors

John W. Murphy, University of MiamiFollow
Berkeley A. Franz, Ohio UniversityFollow
Karen A. Callaghan, Barry UniversityFollow

Keywords

Community-based philosophy, community health, social theory

Abstract

Although community-based projects have introduced a successful model for addressing many social problems, less consideration has been given to how such projects should be evaluated. This paper considers whether the philosophy underlying community-based practice is compatible with data collection. Specifically at issue is whether empirical indicators are helpful to summarize a project. Although having valid knowledge is important, this paper makes a distinction between merely collecting data versus understanding the course of a project. The key point is that community participation requires a unique perspective on how knowledge is negotiated and interpreted.

Recommended Citation

Murphy, John W.; Franz, Berkeley A.; and Callaghan, Karen A. (2015) "Is Community-based Work Compatible with Data Collection?," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 42: Iss. 4, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3934
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol42/iss4/2