Participatory methods and other research methods

The rationale for participatory methods provides a strong foundation for their promotion. It does not, however, imply that non-participatory methods lack utility or should be disregarded. Participatory methods should be seen as part of a larger set of research methods each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Participatory methods are often most valuable at the early stages of a project when the research questions and needs are still being formulated. The outputs of these participatory methods may suggest the need for additional and more detailed data on a particular topic. At that point, other more formal methods could be considered.