Participatory research is a methodological approach or research paradigm in which individuals and groups traditionally considered 'subjects' or 'participants' are actively involved as co-creators throughout the research process, from problem definition and design through data collection, analysis, and dissemination. This approach is characterized by shared decision-making, mutual learning, and reciprocal knowledge exchange, investigating real-world problems with the aim of producing outcomes that are relevant, actionable, and contribute to community empowerment or social change, thereby challenging traditional researcher-subject hierarchies.