Action Research & Data Collection Terms

Question 1

Action Research

Answer 1

Systematic method used across various disciplines and areas to critically examine behaviours and/or processes to develop practice, by facilitating appropriate change.

Question 2

Data Collection

Answer 2

Process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest.

Question 3

Scope

Answer 3

The extent to which the research will be conducted.

Question 4

Technical Action Research

Answer 4

Apply existing practice from somewhere else and test its effectiveness in your setting.

Typically follows traditional research design protocols.

Question 5

Practical Action Research

Answer 5

You design the changes, not merely adopt an existing practice.

Question 6

Critical Action Research

Answer 6

Wanting to change existing structures and actively engage in changing the system, by working with or against other participants.

Question 7

Action Research Cycle

Answer 7

Takes the researcher through the process of action research:

8 Steps:
- Identify a problem
- Gather data
- Make an action plan
- Implement the plan
- Gather data
- Analyse data
- Evaluate the action
- Report results

Question 8

Action Research Disposition

Answer 8

An approach to asking and answering questions of the world, lasting a lifetime.

Question 9

Community of Practice

Answer 9

Researchers come together with common interest to improve a situation.

Question 10

Reflexivity

Answer 10

Self-awareness in the sense that when we conduct action research, we are more concerned with seeing our truth as it relates to our place in the world.

Question 11

Methodological Dimension

Answer 11

One of 3 complementary dimensions of action research:

Reference to the purpose of the research, methodological perspective adopted, and instruments used.

Question 12

Philosophical Dimension

Answer 12

One of 3 complementary dimensions of action research:

Reveals basic features of action research aggregating its nature.

Question 13

Practical Dimension

Answer 13

One of 3 complementary dimensions of action research:

Process approach of action research including recommended stages of conduct.

Question 14

Conceptual Matrix

Answer 14

Basic feature of Action Research

Can include:

• Researcher’s own inquiries
• Ethical character
• Diverse researcher roles
• Problematizing
• Based on understanding
• Located between the micro- and macro-perspective
• Social
• Practical
• Emancipatory
• Future-oriented
• Content-specific

Question 15

Approach

Answer 15

Basic feature of Action Research

Can include:

• Open communication space
• The need to deal with an open communication space
• The need to deal with an open communication space
• The need to deal with various entities of power
• Participatory
• Prudent
• Based on compromise
• Based on experience
• Results-oriented
• Reflective

Question 16

Methodology

Answer 16

Basic feature of Action Research

Can include:

• Continuous (more than occasional)
• Proactive and strategically determined
• Documented
• Qualitative
• Mixed
• Based on cooperation
• Critical

Question 17

Impact on Practice

Answer 17

Basic feature of Action Research

Can include:

• Innovative
• Interventionist
• Transforming
• Integrating
• Explaining
• Standardising

Question 18

Emancipatory Action Research

Answer 18

• Compliance with rules of ethics
• Reciprocity among action research participants
• Theory built through dialogue rather than imposition of researcher
• Consistent reflection

Question 19

Principles in Action Research

Answer 19

• Participation & cooperation
• Continual spiral cycle of self-reflection
• General knowledge
• Transforming practice

Question 20

Participatory Character

Answer 20

Key characteristic of action research:

• Participation is fundamental.
• Demands participants perceive the need to change and are willing to plan an active part in research and change process.

Question 21

Democratic Impulse

Answer 21

Key characteristic of action research:

• Participants to be seen as equal.

Question 22

Focus Groups

Answer 22

Research method bringing people together as a small group of people to answer questions.