Which aspect is central to Transformative research?

Transformative research is fundamentally concerned with social change and empowerment, particularly for marginalized or underserved groups. This approach emphasizes the need to address societal inequities and injustices, making it a central focus of transformative research efforts. By prioritizing the voices and experiences of these groups, transformative research seeks to facilitate positive changes that enhance their well-being and promote social justice.

The emphasis on helping marginalized groups ensures that the research is not just theoretical but has practical implications for real-world issues. This aligns with the transformative research goal of generating knowledge that can lead to actionable outcomes and improved conditions for those who have been historically marginalized.

The other aspects listed, while valuable in their own right, do not encapsulate the core essence of transformative research. For instance, the use of mixed methods may enhance the depth of research but is not exclusive to transformative research. Similarly, focusing on long-term trends or individual lived experiences can be components of various research approaches, but they do not reflect the transformative research's mission of advocating for marginalized populations specifically. Thus, the correct answer focuses on the commitment to supporting and uplifting these groups as a primary goal of transformative research.