What is the central goal of participatory action research (PAR)?

• A. Individual skill development
• B. Social change
• C. Policy compliance
• D. Academic publication

Answer: (B)

Participatory action research is driven by turning knowledge into action with the people who are affected by an issue. The main aim is social change and empowerment of the community, achieved by collaborators identifying problems, planning and carrying out actions, and examining the outcomes together to refine what they do. In PAR, the process itself—participation, action, and reflection—focuses on improving real-world conditions rather than just generating theory or meeting external requirements. While participants may build skills along the way, the central purpose is change in the community or social context, not simply policy compliance or academic publication.