Knowledge Profiling as Emergent Theory in Community-Based Participatory Research

BACKGROUND: Many sources of valid knowledge may be relevant to a research question. Communities need a mechanism to explore the full range of knowledge that could enrich community-based research. A knowledge profile (KP) is an integrated description of the knowledge and expertise that, once assembled, can help to explore a research issue. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the establishment of a KP as a purposive process whereby the initial research team identifies the kinds of knowledge that can help to articulate and refine a research question, and assemble the right research team and resources. METHOD: The KP process is conducted by a core team, which may expand to include additional expertise. The four phases of a KP are (1) creating the research space, (2) articulating and negotiating, (3) identifying the research question, and (4) creating the resource inventory. The process is illustrated by a case study. The outcomes of a successful KP include an inventory of existing and required resources, a strong research team operating in an ethical and safe research space, and clear articulation of the research question. The KP can be revisited regularly throughout a project to evaluate the effectiveness of the research team. CONCLUSION: KP provides a road map for community-based research teams to navigate through the early phase of research development.