ABSTRACT
Medical education research aims to advance the knowledge, skills and professionalism across the continuum of learners including patients. Evaluating various aspects of learning and teaching is a fundamental part of everyone's job, every day, in all parts of the health care system. Participatory processes often involve mixed methods which draw on strengths for both quantitative and qualitative research. Mixed methods participatory social justice (MMPSJ) follows cyclical processes similar to action research. There have been four phases identified in the application of participatory processes. Some of the strengths of MMPSJ are identified as being appeal for all participants, change and empowerment, all participants play an active role and researchers are facilitators guided by the participants throughout the processes. Challenges in using new designs are as follows: having the necessary expertise so it is helpful to work with a participatory researcher.
