Table 3.

Participation across research dimensions

	Deciding research focus	Designing research methodology and method	Data generation	Data analysis	Taking action	Report writing	Dissemination
Co‐option
Compliance
Consultation	X	x				x
Co‐operation	X	x	X	x		x	x
Co‐learning		x	x	x	x		x
Collective Action			x	x	x

Key
Co‐option	Token representatives are chosen but have no real input or power in the research process
Compliance	Outsiders decide the research agenda and direct the process, with tasks assigned to participants
Consultation	Local opinions are asked for, but outside researchers conduct the work and decide on a course of action
Co‐operation	Local people work together with outside researchers to determine priorities, with responsibility remaining with outsiders for directing the process;
Co‐learning	Local people and outsiders share their knowledge to create new understanding and work together to form action plans—facilitation provided
Collective action	Local people set their own agenda and mobilise to carry out research in the absence of outside initiators and facilitators

Adapted from the work of Cornwall A. Unpacking ‘Participation’: Models, Meanings and Practices, Community Development Journal 43(3) 2008; 269‐283 and Cook T, Boote J, Buckley N, Vougioukalou S, Wright M. Accessing Participatory Research Impact and Legacy: Developing the evidence base for participatory approaches in health research. Educational Action Research 2017; 25(4) 473‐488.