What is peer research?

Peer research is when people with personal experience of an issue take part in research on that topic. It aims to empower people to affect positive change by participating in research with their own communities, on subjects that matter to them.

With their personal understanding of a research topic, peer researchers are often able to connect with others, who have similar experiences, on a deeper level.

Peer researchers may be involved in research design, developing research tools, collecting and analysing data, or writing up and sharing findings.

Why do peer research?

There are many advantages to adopting a peer research approach.

• Access to ‘less heard’ voices: Because peer researchers identify with the community being studied, they can often connect with people who might be unwilling to engage with professional researchers. Peer researchers can use their networks and relationships to involve people that may not otherwise have been included in research.
• Empowered participants: Peer research is about conducting research ‘with and for’ the people affected. That changes the traditional power imbalance of ‘outsiders’ conducting research.
• The added value of lived experience: Peer researchers’ own knowledge and understanding of the issues being studied can enhance the research.
• Better data: When those conducting research have experiences in common with the people they are interviewing, it reduces the risk of misunderstanding and increases the likelihood that the the conversations will be relevant to the people involved. In addition, people may respond more honestly and openly to an interviewer who has personal experience of the issue being discussed, or who they already feel they can speak with informally. This delivers higher quality, more nuanced data.
• Activating communities: Participatory approaches can create self-critical communities who are invested in their own wellbeing.
• Benefits to peer researchers: Peer research can provide valuable work experience and training that may increase peer researchers’ employability. Many people gain confidence and self-esteem by participating in peer research and finding that they add significant value. It may also promote social inclusion among groups who often experience exclusion and isolation such as those challenged by stigma or marginalisation.