Assembling a Cabinet of Curiousities: Using Participatory Action Research and Constructivist Grounded Theory to Generate Stronger Theorization of Public Sector Innovation Labs

Abstract

This paper describes how a critical qualitative bricolage of research methods, with participatory action research and constructivist grounded theory at the center, were assembled and applied to support stronger theorization of the work of public sector innovation labs while remaining strongly grounded in the experiences and intelligence of practitioners. We begin by sharing the context for this research, including describing what PSI labs are, the purpose for this research, and an overview of the process and participants. Next, the framing for this approach is described, detailing the metaphor of assembling a cabinet of curiosities. This cabinet contains five main methods and approaches including: critical research bricolage; sensitizing concepts; participatory action research; constructivist grounded theory; and weaving the assemblage together. We conclude by discussing the four key methodological insights generated , the contribution that this work makes to the literature about participatory research methods, and how researchers with a transformative intent can use this in practice.