Responsible Research Practice

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xxvii

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2. Introduction to the Book: Activating Transformative Intent in Consideration of the Immersion of Research in Social and Ecological Existence

   • Norma R. A. Romm

   Pages 1-44

3. Active Focus Group Research with Follow-up Interviews/Conversations and Actions: Responsibly Re-exploring Race(d) and Classed Relations

   • Norma R. A. Romm

   Pages 45-96

4. Active Use of Questionnaires Combined with Focus Group Facilitation: Responsibly Researching Options for Generating Educational Inclusivity

   • Norma R. A. Romm

   Pages 97-158

5. Actively Facilitating Individual and Focus Group Narrations: Responsibly Foregrounding Gender Stereotyping While Stimulating (Contextual) Empowerment

   • Norma R. A. Romm

   Pages 159-201

6. Active Use of Experiments: Responsibly Inviting Participants and Others to Review Options for Agency

   • Norma R. A. Romm

   Pages 203-245

7. Development-Oriented Research to Forward Social and Environmental Justice: Responsibly Strengthening Discourses and Actions Toward an Inclusive Wellbeing

   • Norma R. A. Romm

   Pages 247-305

8. Responsible Generative Theorizing

   • Norma R. A. Romm

   Pages 307-358

9. Practicing Ethical Responsibility: Reconfiguring the Belmont Model

   • Norma R. A. Romm

   Pages 359-418

10. Practicing Multiple and Mixed Methods Research Responsibly: Some Paradigmatic Considerations

    • Norma R. A. Romm

    Pages 419-477

11. Conclusion to the Book: Storying Our Co-responsibilities as Part of Methodological Write-up

    • Norma R. A. Romm

    Pages 479-513

12. Back Matter

    Pages 515-518

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This book explores ways in which creative research practice can be explicitly and mindfully geared to make a difference to the quality of social and ecological existence. It offers a range of examples of how different research methods can be employed (and re-tuned) with this intention. The book suggests that what Romm names "active" research involves using the research space responsibly to open up new avenues for thinking and acting on the part of those involved in the inquiry and wider stakeholders.  The book includes a discussion of a range of epistemological, ontological, methodological and axiological positions (or paradigms) that can be embraced by inquirers implicitly or explicitly. It details the contours of an epistemology where knowing is recognized to be grounded in social relations, as a matter of ethics. While focusing on discussing the “transformative paradigm” and attendant view of research ethics, it considers to what extent the borders between paradigms can be treated as being permeable in creative and active inquiries. Apart from considering options for enhancing responsible research practice during the process of inquiry (and reconsidering mixed-research designs) the book also considers options for responsible theorizing that is inspirational for pursuing goals of social and ecological justice. 

• Active Research
• Conceptualizing Creative and Active Inquiry
• Creative and Active Practice of Research Ethics
• Expanding Paradigmatic Positions
• Relational Epistemology and Research Ethics
• Responsible Approach to Methodology
• Responsible Orientation to Theorizing
• Revisiting Ways of Practising Mixed Methods Research
• Social and Ecological Justice
• Social Inquiry as Linked to Social Change
• Transformative Inquiry

“This is a crucial text for scholars of race, gender and class relations, as well as those interested, academically or generally, in contributing to transforming social rifts by re-examining their methodological practices. If researchers are to see responsible research rolled out within academic institutions and activist circles, then this should serve as excellence guidance among methodological books in social science.” (Vassilissa Carangio, Ethnic and Racial Studies, October 14, 2020)

“I celebrate ROMM’s scholarship; I thank her and all those who contributed to the thesis for assembling a reaffirmation of the envisioned, flourishing world that the early action researchers fought for. Its re-arrival is timely and heralds a new generation who are reconfiguring inherited knowledge-craft in the context of the twenty-first century.” (Susan Goff, Systemic Practice and Action Research, July02, 2019)

“The book offers both practical discussions of varied research case studies and engages well with the reader to promote critical reflection, offering insight as well as challenging researchers to actively reshape or rearticulate their own engagements. … Romm has attempted to contribute to the limited available literature that provides in-depth explorations and critical discussions on the research implications of social inquiry framed by the transformative paradigm. I find her work to also be valuable … .” (Avivit M. Cherrington, Educational Research for Social Change – ERSC, Vol. 7 (02), September, 2018) “Norma Romm provides excellent guidance through theory and practical examples for researchers who accept the challenge of working towards social, economic, and environmental justice for members of marginalized communities. She brings together the work of transformative and indigenous scholars to further understandings of the complex dynamics of contributing to positive social change through the use of innovative research strategies. The examples illustrate an emphasis on addressing social and ecological justice, along with the challenges that researchers encounter in this type of research. This book is an excellent contribution to understanding better how researchers can be responsive to the wicked problems facing the world.” (Donna M. Mertens, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Gallaudet University)

• Department of Adult Education and Youth Development, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa

  Norma RA Romm

Norma Romm (D Litt et Phil, Sociology) is currently a research professor in the Department of Adult Education and Youth Development at the University of South Africa. She is the author of The Methodologies of Positivism and Marxism (1991), Accountability in Social Research (2001), New Racism (2010), People’s Education in Theoretical Perspective (with V. I. McKay, 1992), Diversity Management (with R. L. Flood, 1996), and Assessment of the Impact of HIV and AIDS in the Informal Economy of Zambia (with V. I. McKay, 2008). She has co-edited three books—Social Theory (with M. Sarakinsky, 1994), Critical Systems Thinking (with R. L. Flood, 1996), and Balancing Individualism and Collectivism (with J. J. McIntyre-Mills and Y. Corcoran-Nantes, 2017). She has published more than 100 research articles on the contribution of research to social development; the way in which research can be practiced accountably; Indigenous ways of knowing and living; transformative-directed research; community-engaged research; and the facilitation of adult learning. She has worked on a range of projects aimed at increasing equity for organizations such as the ILO, ADEA, and IOM. 

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