Which philosophical stance supports community-based application of research results with participants?

The philosophical stance that best supports community-based application of research results with participants is social constructivism. This approach emphasizes the importance of social contexts and interactions in shaping the understanding and meaning of data. Social constructivism focuses on how individuals and groups construct knowledge collaboratively, highlighting the role of cultural and social dynamics in influencing perspectives.

In community-based research, this perspective facilitates the involvement of participants in the research process, allowing them to actively contribute to and influence the direction of research that directly concerns their lives and communities. This participatory approach aligns well with social constructivism as it seeks to highlight the voices and experiences of community members, fostering a partnership that respects and utilizes local knowledge.

In contrast, positivism is more concerned with objective measurements and universal laws, typically distancing researchers from their subjects. Weak constructivism, while recognizing the role of context, does not emphasize the active participation of communities in the same way. Critical theory is focused on critiquing and changing societal structures and power dynamics but does not specifically center on community involvement in research as fundamentally as social constructivism does. Therefore, the emphasis on collaboration and shared understanding in social constructivism makes it the most suitable choice for community-based research application.