Co-operative Inquiry

Name: Co-operative Inquiry
Price: 165.95 AUD
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ISBN: 9781447375630

Making Research Inclusive and Accessible

Monica Short (Charles Sturt University), Erica Russ (Southern Cross University), Melissa Petrakis (Monash University) , Caroline Walters (Monash University)

$165.95

Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Policy Press
16 June 2026

Research methods: general; Social research & statistics; Curriculum planning & development

Conventional research methods often marginalise the voices of those most affected by the issues being studied, limiting the potential for meaningful, transformative change. In education, health, social care, community development and many other fields, there is a growing need for research that is inclusive, accessible and responsive to real-world complexity.

This textbook offers a comprehensive introduction to co-operative inquiry: a participatory research methodology grounded in collaboration, reflection and shared knowledge creation. Acting as a how-to guide and companion text, it supports readers in designing and conducting ethical, practice-based research that draws on lived experience as much as professional expertise. The authors demonstrate how co-operative inquiry can integrate action research and mixed methods to produce both nuanced and authentic insights.

With guidance from leading experts and emerging voices in the field, this book is an essential resource for ethical researchers at every career stage. It equips readers with the confidence, tools and inspiration to generate impactful, equity-driven knowledge.

By: Monica Short (Charles Sturt University), Erica Russ (Southern Cross University), Melissa Petrakis (Monash University), Caroline Walters (Monash University), Katrina Gersbach (Charles Sturt University)
Imprint: Policy Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 244mm, Width: 170mm,
ISBN: 9781447375630
ISBN 10: 1447375637
Pages: 166
Publication Date: 16 June 2026
Audience: College/higher education , General/trade , Further / Higher Education , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

1. Introduction - Monica Short and Carmel Halton Part 1: General Overview Introducing Co-operative Inquiry 2. Engaging People in Research - Katrina Gersbach, Erica Russ, Caroline Lambert, Caroline Waters, Melissa Pretrakis, Amanda Howard and Monica Short 3. What Is a Co-operative Inquiry? - Erica Russ, Monica Short, Amanda Howard and Natalie Morton 4. Why Co-operative Inquiry: The Ethos, Ontology and Epistemology of Co-Operative Inquiry as a Participatory Method - Melissa Petrakis, Caroline Walters, Monica Short, Louise Morley, Emma Rush, Liz Reimer, Susan Evans and Ndungi Mungai 5. How To Conduct a Co-operative Inquiry - Brenda Morris, Katrina Gersbach, Louise Whitaker, Erica Russ and Emma Rush Part 2: The Place of Co-operative Inquiry: Examples, Impact and Translation 6. Participatory Community-Based Research - Monica Short, Carmel Halton, Robyn Fitzroy, Rohena Duncombe, Emma Rush, Cara Jacobs, Lynn Berger and Ndungi Mungai 7. Approaching Co-operative Inquiry as a Student Researcher - Erica Russ, Monica Short, Robyn Fitzroy, Joanne Rose and Francesca Hector 8. Using Co-operative Inquiry To Capture Practice Wisdom Through Industry Partnerships - Melissa Petrakis, Amanda Howard, Rohena Duncombe, Caroline Walters, Cara Jacobs, Monica Short, Lynn Berger and Ndungi Mungai 9. Adopting a Co-operative Inquiry as a Core Research Methodology for Current and Emerging (or Experienced, Student & Novice) Researchers - Monica Short, Amanda Howard, Francesca Hector, Cara Jacobs, Melissa Petrakis, Natalie Morton and Liz Reimer 10. How Co-operative Inquiry Can Inform Curriculum Design - Katrina Gersbach, Erica Russ, Caroline Lambert, Louise Morley and Joanne Rose 11. Conclusion - Monica Short, Joanne Rose and Carmel Halton

Monica Short is Coordinator of the International Network of Co-operative Inquirers (INCInq) and Senior Lecturer at Charles Sturt University. Erica Russ is Associate Professor at Southern Cross University. She is a founding member of the INCInq. Melissa Petrakis is Associate Professor and Group Director of the Social Work Innovation, Transformation and Collaboration in Health (SWITCH) Research Group in the Department of Social Work at Monash University. Caroline Walters is Research Fellow and Teaching Associate in the Department of Social Work at Monash University. Katrina Gersbach is Lecturer in Social Work and Human Services at Charles Sturt University. Caroline Lambert is Senior Lecturer and Carer Perspective Researcher at RMIT University. Emma Rush is Lecturer in Philosophy and Ethics at Charles Sturt University. Rohena Duncombe is Lecturer at Charles Sturt University. Elizabeth Reimer is Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Health at Southern Cross University.

Reviews for Co-operative Inquiry: Making Research Inclusive and Accessible

“As an academic in medicine, I’ve long wondered how to more fully bring the patient’s voice into my research. This book shows, step by step, how co-operative inquiry can truly make that possible, offering a pathway for meaningful and transformative change.” Bonita Sawatzky, The University of British Columbia “Bold, accessible, and deeply practical. This book translates the ideals of participation into actionable steps, delivering research that is credible, ethical, and impactful across education, health, social care, and community contexts.” Andrew Prevett, Flinders University