Community-engaged research is a process where research is conducted WITH the community to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes. Members of the research team are all equal partners throughout the research process. This is different than community-focused research where research is done ON or IN the community.
Community-Engagement and Community-Engaged Research Defined
The Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching defines it as “the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, state/regional, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and research in a context of partnership and reciprocity.”
A rigorous process which furthers knowledge. This definition is meant to be inclusive of the contributions from all disciplines.
Community is any small or large social unit that has something in common. A community may be based on geography, culture, religion, or identity. Community partners may include, but are not limited to: individuals and families; school systems; community coalitions; neighborhood associations; healthcare systems; non-profits; businesses and industry; and government agencies.
To help ensure success, there are seven principles of community engagement: purposeful, collaboration and partnership, clear communication, inclusiveness, transparency, respect and commitment. Each play an integral role in building a strong, successful and sustainable relationship.
There are three different research approaches – Traditional, Community-Engaged, and Community-Based Participatory Research. Each vary their level of engagement with community partners and are designed differently. Their contributions to science and understanding are important.
Comparison Research Approaches
The community-engagement continuum is a framework whereby the community and university contribute to teaching, research and service. Community engagement is often at the intersection of teaching, research and service. Understanding the levels of engagement can help determine levels of information shared; consultation, involvement, and collaboration required; and community need.
Community-Engagement Continuum
As part of the university’s initiative for community engagement, we now have four new CITI modules about community-engaged research. These modules are available to all Ohio University-affiliated researchers, including faculty, staff, students and collaborators.
Access to CITI Training Modules
We recommend that all students working on community-engaged projects complete the four CITI modules about Community-Engaged Research.
Training can be access through three different webpages – Ohio University Research Compliance, CITI Program, and Ohio University Community Research training tab. A step-by-step guide is available on the Community-engaged Research Training tab.
We recommend that everyone completes all four modules, but modules can be completed individually.
No, these modules are not in lieu of IRB-required CITI training for human subjects research.
Students can download their CITI transcripts as proof of competing the modules. Alternatively, you can email CeR@ohio.edu with a list of the names of your students and we can confirm whether they have completed the modules.
Yes, community-engaged research projects are eligible for internal funding, including the the Ohio University Research Committee (OURC) and Baker Fund. Note, for FY20, OURC will has a priority call for community-engaged research projects See https://www.ohio.edu/research/funding.cfm for additional details and guidelines.
Yes, Ohio University faculty, staff, and students should utilize PIVOT, a comprehensive database for identifying external funding sources. Click on https://pivot.proquest.com/. To create an account, make sure you access PIVOT on campus (within the university IP range) and use your “@ohio.edu” email address. Then you can access PIVOT from anywhere.
Program evaluation is a systematic process to determine or judge a program’s merit, worth, value and significance.
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably but they have real differences.
Types and Uses of Evaluation
Difference between Traditional Research & CER Evaluation
We have composed a list of some of the most common terms that are used by evaluators. Having some understanding of these terms will help you as you start to explore program evaluation.
A logic model is a simplified picture of a program, initiative, project or intervention. It shows the logical relationships among the resources that are invested, the activities that take place and the benefits or changes that result. A logic model also shows the underlying rationale of the program or initiative and is the core resource during planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Yes, here is a fillable logic model template that can be adapted for different projects. This is only one example of logic models. See Evaluation Resources.docx (FAQ below) for additional places for other logic model templates.
We have compiled a list of different evaluation resources. This is not a comprehensive list, but it should definitely get you started. If you would like to share other useful resources, please email them to cer@ohio.edu.