Public Involvement in Research from Coursera

This course focuses on participatory approaches in research, known as 'public involvement' in the UK. You'll specifically, consider why citizens and patients would be involved in research and explore participatory approaches across and within the research cycle in more detail, diving into questions such as:

- what kinds of participation can be undertaken at each of the 7 stages of the cycle?

- how can you utilise participation in research?

- what examples of using participatory approaches exist in research?

While this course, as with the rest of the specialisation, focuses on public health and ways of involving citizens and patients across and within the research cycle, these concepts apply to other disciplines and kinds of research too. So, you don't have to be a public health specialist or work in healthcare to gain insight from this course.

If you would like to learn more about the theories and core principles of participation within a public health context, we suggest taking Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health. If you're planning a research project and want to include participatory approaches, explore our course Applying Participatory Approaches in Public Health Settings.

What's inside

Syllabus

Differentiating Public Involvement and Co-production in Health Research

Welcome to Module 1! Over the next 4 modules, you'll focus on how citizens and patients can be involved in research from the researcher side. You'll explore participation across and within the research cycle (as we refer to it) in more detail, specifically, what kinds of participatory approaches can be undertaken at each of the 7 stages of the research cycle. Although these modules have a public health focus, the approaches and ways of involving citizens and patients across and within the research cycle apply to other disciplines and kinds of research too (even basic research – although it can be slightly more challenging!). First, you need to be clear about the definitions we use, so let’s start there.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers public involvement and co-production throughout the research cycle, providing a comprehensive overview for learners

Instructors Maria Piggin and Helen Ward are experts in public involvement in research, bringing valuable insights and credibility to the course

Emphasizes the value of involving citizens and patients in research, fostering a more inclusive and collaborative approach

Provides case studies and examples of how participatory approaches have been successfully implemented in research projects

Applicable to various disciplines and research types, offering a broader perspective beyond public health

Course requires learners to actively participate in discussions and assignments, promoting engagement and practical application

Reviews summary

Comprehensive guide to public research involvement

According to learners, this course offers an exceptionally comprehensive overview of public involvement in research, particularly strong in breaking down engagement across the seven stages of the research cycle. Students consistently highlight the value of practical insights derived from real-world case studies and the course's ability to provide a solid theoretical framework, clearly differentiating concepts like co-production. While widely considered highly valuable for professionals in public health and beyond, some learners suggest the course could benefit from more hands-on tools and templates for direct application and a broader range of international examples beyond its UK focus. Despite minor critiques regarding engagement and presentation, the core content is seen as clear and well-structured.

Offers precise definitions and a strong theoretical foundation.

"Excellent content! I learned so much about the nuances of co-production vs. public involvement."

"It clearly explains complex ideas around public involvement and co-production in research."

"The concepts were well-explained, and the definitions were precise. I appreciated the flexibility of the self-paced learning."

Features valuable real-world examples and practical insights.

"The focus on practical application through case studies is brilliant."

"The case studies provide practical insights. It's a must-take for anyone working in or planning participatory research."

"It clearly outlines the benefits and challenges of public involvement. I've already started applying some of the strategies in my role."

Provides a thorough, stage-by-stage guide to public involvement.

"This course offers an incredibly comprehensive overview of public involvement in research. I especially appreciated the breakdown of involvement at each stage of the research cycle."

"The structure by research cycle stage is logical and easy to follow. I gained valuable insights into how to evaluate involvement, which is often overlooked."

"The syllabus is incredibly thorough, covering all 7 stages of the research cycle. The case studies are inspiring."

Some found lectures less engaging, wishing for more interactive elements.

"I found this course somewhat dry. While the information is technically correct, the delivery wasn't always engaging. I struggled to stay focused through some of the longer lectures."

"Could use more interactive elements."

"My only minor critique is that some of the videos had slightly low audio quality, but the content itself was strong."

Some felt examples were too focused on the UK, lacking diversity.

"I found the examples really helpful, though sometimes I wished for more diverse examples outside of public health, even though the course states it's applicable."

"A bit too much UK-centric content for my needs, as I work in a different country."

"While the principles are universal, more varied examples would have been beneficial."

Learners desired more hands-on tools and implementation templates.

"I was hoping for more hands-on tools or templates for practical implementation. It's good for an introduction, but I needed more depth to truly apply these concepts directly in my work."

"Some sections could have delved deeper into the *how-to* rather than just the *what* and *why*."

"While the theoretical framework is solid, I found some of the examples to be a bit repetitive or not diverse enough."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Public Involvement in Research with these activities:

Create a course notebook

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Creating a course notebook will help you keep track of the concepts and methods you learn in the course and make it easier to review for exams.

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Purchase a notebook.
Divide the notebook into sections for each module of the course.
Take notes during the lectures and readings.

Review research methods

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By reviewing research methods prior to the course, you will be better prepared for the course content and activities.

Browse courses on Research Methods

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Review your notes from previous courses on research methods.
Read a textbook chapter on research methods.
Take a practice quiz on research methods.

Watch video tutorials

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Watching video tutorials will help you learn about the concepts and methods of participatory research in a more engaging way.

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Find video tutorials on participatory research.
Watch the tutorials.
Take notes on the key concepts.

Nine other activities

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Join a study group

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Joining a study group will allow you to discuss the course material with other students and get help with your assignments.

Browse courses on Participatory Research

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Find a study group that meets your needs.
Attend the study group meetings regularly.
Participate in the discussions.

Participate in Online Forums

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Engaging in online discussions with peers and instructors can clarify concepts, deepen understanding, and expose you to diverse perspectives.

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Identify relevant online forums or discussion boards
Post thoughtful questions or comments

Design a research project

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Designing a research project will help you apply the concepts and methods you learn in the course to a real-world problem.

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Identify a research question.
Develop a research plan.
Identify potential participants.
Write a research proposal.

Form a Study Group

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Collaborating with peers in a study group can enhance comprehension, foster discussion, and provide support throughout the course.

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Identify and connect with classmates interested in forming a study group
Establish a regular meeting schedule and agenda
Review course materials, discuss concepts, and work on assignments together

Complete problem sets

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Completing problem sets will help you practice the skills you learn in the course and improve your understanding of the material.

Browse courses on Research Methods

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Download the problem sets from the course website.
Solve the problems on your own.
Check your answers with the solutions provided.

Develop a public engagement plan

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Developing a public engagement plan will help you think about how to involve the public in your research project.

Browse courses on Participatory Research

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Identify your target audience.
Develop your key messages.
Choose your engagement methods.
Create a timeline for your engagement activities.

Practice Designing Research Surveys

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Going through the process of designing research surveys will improve your understanding of the principles and techniques involved.

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Review resources on research survey design
Create a survey outline and draft questions
Seek feedback and refine the survey instrument

Assist in a Community Health Project

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Practical experience in a community health setting will provide valuable insights and help you connect the course material to real-world applications.

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Identify local community health organizations or initiatives
Inquire about volunteer opportunities and roles
Participate in community health projects or events

Write a blog post

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Writing a blog post will help you synthesize your understanding of participatory research and share it with others.

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Choose a topic for your blog post.
Research your topic.
Write your blog post.
Publish your blog post.

Career center

Learners who complete Public Involvement in Research will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Innovation Consultant

Innovation Consultants help organizations to develop and implement new products and services. They may work in a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, and finance. This course may be useful for Innovation Consultants who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to develop and implement innovation strategies that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Consultant

Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers develop and implement marketing campaigns to promote products and services. They may work in a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, and retail. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to develop and implement marketing campaigns that are more effective and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use data to solve problems and make predictions. They may work in a variety of industries, such as technology, finance, and healthcare. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to collect and analyze data that is more representative of the population.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

User Experience Researcher

User Experience Researchers conduct research to improve the user experience of products and services. They may work in a variety of industries, such as technology, healthcare, and retail. This course may be useful for User Experience Researchers who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to design and conduct research that is more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the user community.

See salaries and explore the career path for User Experience Researcher

Project Manager

Project Managers plan, implement, and evaluate projects to achieve specific goals. They may work in a variety of industries, such as construction, technology, and healthcare. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to design and implement projects that are more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Program Manager

Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs to achieve specific goals. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses. This course may be useful for Program Managers who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to design and implement programs that are more effective and responsive to the needs of the community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Science Communications Manager

Science Communications Managers develop and implement communication strategies to share scientific information with the public. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, museums, and science centers. This course may be useful for Science Communications Managers who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to develop and implement communication strategies that are more effective and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communications Manager

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies that affect health and healthcare. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to develop and evaluate policies that are more responsive to the needs of the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Research Ethics Analyst

Research Ethics Analysts review and evaluate research proposals to ensure that they are ethical and comply with regulations. They may work in a variety of settings, such as universities, hospitals, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Research Ethics Analysts who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to ensure that research is conducted in a responsible and ethical manner.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Ethics Analyst

Science Policy Analyst

Science Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies that affect science and technology. They may work in a variety of settings, such as government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. This course may be useful for Science Policy Analysts who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to develop and evaluate policies that are more responsive to the needs of the public.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Analyst

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They may work in a variety of settings, such as schools, hospitals, and community centers. This course may be useful for Public Health Educators who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to develop and implement educational programs that are more effective and engaging.

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Health Scientist

Health Scientists conduct research to improve the health and well-being of people. They may work in a variety of fields, such as public health, epidemiology, and clinical research. This course may be useful for Health Scientists who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to design and conduct research that is more responsive to the needs of the community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Scientist

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses and organizations make informed decisions. They may work in a variety of industries, such as healthcare, finance, and marketing. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to collect and analyze data that is more representative of the population.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research to develop new knowledge and technologies. They may work in a variety of fields, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. This course may be useful for Research Scientists who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to develop research that is more relevant to the needs of society.

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Research Assistant

Research Assistants help conduct scientific research under the supervision of more senior researchers. They may design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and write reports. This course may be useful for Research Assistants who want to learn more about public involvement in research, as this can help them to design and conduct research that is more inclusive and responsive to the needs of the community.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Assistant