ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the unique ethical considerations attached to participatory forms of research, and motivates for a different approach to current procedures practised by higher education institutions. In the social sciences and humanities specifically, there is growing acceptance of the idea of working in partnership with participants, rather than doing research on them and reporting findings about the issues they face. I argue that current ethical protocols are neither appropriate nor sufficient to cater for participatory, qualitative methodologies such as PALAR. This chapter takes deeper the discussion on what ethical requirements participatory forms of research necessitate, drawing on specific examples from the field of educational research. It suggests some practical ways that researchers can advance this agenda within their institutions. After all, institutions will have to change their thinking about ethical considerations in participatory research if we are to progress participatory forms of research as the preferred design for social and educational transformation at this time when these forms of research are so very useful.
