What does participation feel like?
I talk a lot about getting public audiences involved in research, but what does that actually feel like as a participant? To help me think clearer and describe the value of participation, I developed an object metaphor:
I chose 2 toys from my son’s bed. The dog was bought from a high-street store. It looks well made, and likely used some sophisticated pattern cutting machinery, as well as being made by someone with experience in making toys, possibly on a production line. The ticket says ‘made in china’ but I don’t know by whom or what it is made of. My only interaction with the process of making this toy was as a consumer in purchasing it, I don’t recall why it was purchased and it doesn’t stand out in the plethora of toys on the bed as one of the special ones.
The lion on the other hand was made by my sister. Before my son was born she invited me to suggest a toy that she might make for him. I thought a lion to reflect his star sign would be appropriate. I chose from some patterns options that she showed me and I purchased some wool for her. She also asked for my thoughts on how the eyes should be made. As a mum-to-be I was totally up to speed on the dangers of poorly fixed eyes, so suggested she just crochet these. My sister is fantastic at crochet, unlike myself, and went away and used her skills to create the finished product.
Observations
Process — I was involved in the process of the lion’s creation, I had no opportunity to shape the development of the dog.
Value — The lion is a very valuable object to me, I am invested in it. I would be very upset to loose it.
Specialist expertise — both toys were made with specialist expertise and equipment that I recognise but don’t have.
Impact — the lion has a greater impact on me and my son because my skills, opinions and knowledge were used during its production.
Potential — I aspire to be able to crochet like my sister one day.
So what about public involvement in research?
I created this analogy as a provocation to suggest that public involvement in the process of scientific research can lead to higher quality research, of more significant value and relevance to those effected by it. Public participation in research does not undermine the researchers skills and expertise but values both professional and other lived experience. Co-production is more fun, rewarding and develops future potential.
I was inspired by working with developmental psychologist Nathalia Gjersoe and her study of people’s relationship with objects to create this analogy!
