Students are given the opportunity to work on a research project that is part of a course and has been co-created and developed through the collaboration between a community partner and a researcher (e.g. course director).
Not only must the CBR activity satisfy the student learning outcomes of the course but it must also satisfy the needs of the community partner. It is: practically relevant to the community; collaborative and action oriented, as indicated by the Center for Community based research. The CBR project may take the form of an applied independent research study or thesis.
CBR activities are normally completed within the duration of a full-year 6.0 credit course (i.e. 24 weeks), though in some cases these activities are completed in a 3.0 credit course. Community partners often participate in the assessment of the students’ work and benefit from this work which may take the form of project reports, presentations, or recommendations.
Key Features
How do students engage in EE?
Students may engage by working on a research project developed through the collaboration of a community partner and a researcher.
To what extent are community partners engaged/involved?
The experience normally requires a formal agreement between the researcher and the community partner outlining items such as: research ethics, how data will be shared, stored, etc.
Is priority given to student learning outcomes or community partner needs?
A research project is created/structured so that it benefits both student learning and the partner organization.
How long and how frequently do these experiences occur?
CBR can vary in length, from a research project that takes place over a few weeks to a research project that spans the duration of the course.
How are students remunerated?
Students receive academic credit for Community Based Research. These activities are unpaid
Course Example
Psychology
HH/PSYC 4175 6.00 Advanced Community-Based Applied Research
An advanced research course in which research is conducted in partnership with community agencies and organizations in order to address community partner needs in broad areas within health and social psychology. Students integrate psychological theories and methods with the design, data collection, analysis, presentation and write up of applied research projects. EE Component: Translation of community based issues into researchable questions to be addressed in conjunction with a health or social service agency.
Logistics
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