Transdisciplinary, multilevel action research to enhance ecological and psychopolitical validity

Abstract

The authors explore the implications of recent proposals for a focus on power and social change in community psychology research and add needed contextual and methodological specificity. An expanded model of psychopolitical validity is presented that merges Isaac Prilleltensky's (this issue, pp. 116–136) domains, or stages of empowerment (oppression, liberation, wellness), with four ecological context domains (physical, sociocultural, economic, political) and greater clarity regarding levels of analysis. The physical–environmental context is used to illustrate some of the questions that may be generated by the expanded model. After discussing the role of democratic freedoms and institutions and the equitable distribution of decision-making power in sustainable community development, the case is made for action research as a potent paradigm to move the field toward those goals. Multilevel and spatial analyses and transdisciplinary research (conceptually and/or methodologically integrative collaboration across multiple disciplines) are underutilized in Community Psychology. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.