ABSTRACT
This chapter shows how the accomplishment of valuable research into social capital and reconciliation in the developing world can be problematic due to difficulty in identifying indicators and the intangible nature of the subject. It considers the ways in which participatory research facilitates an environment in which those who are engaging in these processes lead the research agenda and thus enables a deeper comprehension of the issues. Beginning by situating the research subject and context, the chapter explores the particular participatory techniques used and provides a justification for their use. The chapter then details the application of these techniques in the context of Rwanda before engaging in a consideration of associated ethical issues and addressing relevant questions of analysing participatory data conducted in post-genocide Rwanda. It concludes with a deliberation of the strengths and weakness of the use of participatory techniques in research of this nature.
