Learning Objective #1: Describe the presence and behavior of researchers as having a ripple on the participant.

Learning Objective #2: Discuss an example of how qualitative research in the community can become an intervention.

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Engaging in community-based research can sometimes be “messy.”  This session addresses challenges faced by a nurse researcher as issues of family homelessness are examined in a community.  During the interview sessions, study participants’ share politically charged information and entrust their unrelenting feelings of frustration as a city-wide plan to end homelessness is implemented. The “dance” begins within the researcher as she accurately reports the findings, while maintaining the integrity and credibility among study participants.  Committed and long established relationships have the potential to be in jeopardy should careful thoughtfulness not be given to political sensitivity in presentation of the findings. The “dance” also begins within the community.  During the study interview sessions, several of the participants begin to vocalize self-reflection and suggest ways on their own to deal with a problem.  Shortly following data collection, positive action steps taken by several members of the sample population are made evident.  Three primary parts of the “dance” are explored: the researcher as a change-agent, research itself as intervention and sustaining partnerships.