FAQs

What is community-engaged research?

Community-engaged research is a process where research is conducted WITH the community to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.  Members of the research team are all equal partners throughout the research process. This is different than community-focused research where research is done ON or IN the community.  

Community-Engagement and Community-Engaged Research Defined

What is community engagement?

The Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching defines it as “the collaboration between institutions of higher education and their larger communities (local, state/regional, national, global) for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and research in a context of partnership and reciprocity.” 

What is research?

 A rigorous process which furthers knowledge.  This definition is meant to be inclusive of the contributions from all disciplines.

What is community?

Community is any small or large social unit that has something in common. A community may be based on geography, culture, religion, or identity. Community partners may include, but are not limited to: individuals and families; school systems; community coalitions; neighborhood associations; healthcare systems; non-profits; businesses and industry; and government agencies.

What are the principles of community engagement?

To help ensure success, there are seven principles of community engagement: purposeful, collaboration and partnership, clear communication, inclusiveness, transparency, respect and commitment.  Each play an integral role in building a strong, successful and sustainable relationship.

 Principles of Engagement

What are the different types of approaches to community research?

There are three different research approaches – Traditional, Community-Engaged, and Community-Based Participatory Research. Each vary their level of engagement with community partners and are designed differently.  Their contributions to science and understanding are important.

 Comparison Research Approaches

What is the Community-Engagement Continuum?

The community-engagement continuum is a framework whereby the community and university contribute to teaching, research and service.  Community engagement is often at the intersection of teaching, research and service.  Understanding the levels of engagement can help determine levels of information shared; consultation, involvement, and collaboration required; and community need.

Community-Engagement Continuum

Is there training available for community and faculty members to learn more about community-engaged research?

As part of the university’s initiative for community engagement, we now have four new CITI modules about community-engaged research. These modules are available to all Ohio University-affiliated researchers, including faculty, staff, students and collaborators.

Access to CITI Training Modules

What kind of training is available for my students who will be working with the community?

We recommend that all students working on community-engaged projects complete the four CITI modules about Community-Engaged Research.

Access to CITI Training Modules

How do I access the community-engaged research modules in CITI?

Training can be access through three different webpages – Ohio University Research Compliance, CITI Program, and Ohio University Community Research training tab. A step-by-step guide is available on the Community-engaged Research Training tab.

Access to CITI Training Modules

Are the four community-engaged research modules in CITI required?

We recommend that everyone completes all four modules, but modules can be completed individually.

Do the four community-engaged research modules replace the IRB-required CITI training for human subjects research?

No, these modules are not in lieu of IRB-required CITI training for human subjects research.

If I assign the community-engaged research modules in CITI as part of a class project, how can I see if the students complete them?

Students can download their CITI transcripts as proof of competing the modules. Alternatively, you can email CeR@ohio.edu with a list of the names of your students and we can confirm whether they have completed the modules.

Is there internal funding available to support community-engaged research?

Yes, community-engaged research projects are eligible for internal funding, including the the Ohio University Research Committee (OURC) and Baker Fund. Note, for FY20, OURC will has a priority call for community-engaged research projects See https://www.ohio.edu/research/funding.cfm for additional details and guidelines.

Is there external funding available to support community-engaged research?

Yes, Ohio University faculty, staff, and students should utilize PIVOT, a comprehensive database for identifying external funding sources. Click on https://pivot.proquest.com/ . To create an account, make sure you access PIVOT on campus (within the university IP range) and use your “@ohio.edu” email address. Then you can access PIVOT from anywhere.

Evaluation: What is program evaluation?

Program evaluation is a systematic process to determine or judge a program’s merit, worth, value and significance.

What is Program Evaluation

Evaluation: How are traditional research, community-engaged research, and evaluation different?

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably but they have real differences.

  • Traditional research is often led by the researcher. This means the focus, questions, methods and analysis, and dissemination are all completed by the researcher and their team.
  • Community-engaged research is generated by a mutually beneficial partnership where the focus, questions, methods and analysis, and dissemination are done in equal partnership between the researchers and the community.
  • Evaluation focuses on investigating the intrinsic value and impact of a program. There are components may be done in collaboration with the community, but evaluation focuses on understanding the usefulness of the program and is often done by someone external to the project.

Types and Uses of Evaluation Difference between Traditional Research & CER Evaluation

Evaluation: What are common terms that are used amongst evaluators?

We have composed a list of some of the most common terms that are used by evaluators. Having some understanding of these terms will help you as you start to explore program evaluation.

Common Evaluation Terms

Evaluation: What is a logic model?

A logic model is a simplified picture of a program, initiative, project or intervention. It shows the logical relationships among the resources that are invested, the activities that take place and the benefits or changes that result. A logic model also shows the underlying rationale of the program or initiative and is the core resource during planning, implementation, and evaluation.

What is a Logic Model Sample Logic Model

Evaluation: Are there logic model templates?

Yes, here is a fillable logic model template that can be adapted for different projects. This is only one example of logic models. See Evaluation Resources.docx (FAQ below) for additional places for other logic model templates.

Logic Model Template

Evaluation: Want to learn more about evaluation?

We have compiled a list of different evaluation resources. This is not a comprehensive list, but it should definitely get you started. If you would like to share other useful resources, please email them to cer@ohio.edu .

Evaluation Resources

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