ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author presents examples from his own applied studies with older people and focuses on generic issues which arise with research that relates to any constituency group. He discusses the viewpoint of researchers inside the academy looking to the outside in representing community views. Research can also be important for social action by organised community groups. The author suggests that independent research by community organisations is most appropriately limited to small-scale action research. Community groups can benefit considerably from research when they proactively form partnerships with university researchers, lobby governments for funding, and apply the findings to policy. A cross-sectional community care study obviously presents an overly optimistic view because it excludes those who were no longer able to stay in their homes. Community involvement can heighten understanding and increase research funding. However, promotion criteria in universities pay little direct regard to community contributions and time is scarce for desirable but non-essential activities.
