Action
Research
What Is Action Research?
Action
Research (AR) has its academic roots in sociology, social psychology,
psychology, organizational studies, and education. Action research can be described
as a family of research methodologies which pursue action (or change) and
research (or understanding) at the same time. In most of its forms it does this
by using a cyclic or spiral process which alternates between action and
critical reflection. In the later cycles, it alternates between data collection
and interpretation in the light of the understanding developed in the earlier
cycles. It is thus an emergent process, which takes shape as understanding
increases; it is an iterative process, which converges towards a better
understanding of what happens. In most of its forms it is also participative
and qualitative.
Action
Research is a methodology, which is intended to have both action outcomes and
research outcomes. The action is primary. In distinction, there are some forms
of action research where research is the main emphasis and the action is almost
a fringe benefit. The responsiveness of action research allows it to be used to
develop hypotheses from the data, "on the run" as it were. It can
therefore also be used as a research tool for investigative or pilot research,
and generally for diagnosis or evaluation. (B, Dick, Action Research Resources)
Action Research:
·
Is educative
·
Deals with individuals as
members of social groups
·
Is problem-focused,
context-specific and future-orientated
·
Involves a change
intervention
·
Involves a cyclic process in
which research, action and evaluation are interlinked
·
Aims at improvement and
involvement
·
Is founded on a research relationship
in which those involved are participants in the change process
(Hart E and Bond M 1995)
Last revised: May 15, 2000