Action Research & Data Collection Terms Flashcards
Action Research
Systematic method used across various disciplines and areas to critically examine behaviours and/or processes to develop practice, by facilitating appropriate change.
Data Collection
Process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest.
Scope
The extent to which the research will be conducted.
Technical Action Research
Apply existing practice from somewhere else and test its effectiveness in your setting.
Typically follows traditional research design protocols.
Practical Action Research
You design the changes, not merely adopt an existing practice.
Critical Action Research
Wanting to change existing structures and actively engage in changing the system, by working with or against other participants.
Action Research Cycle
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
Action Research Disposition
An approach to asking and answering questions of the world, lasting a lifetime.
Community of Practice
Researchers come together with common interest to improve a situation.
Reflexivity
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.
Methodological Dimension
One of 3 complementary dimensions of action research:
Reference to the purpose of the research, methodological perspective adopted, and instruments used.
Philosophical Dimension
One of 3 complementary dimensions of action research:
Reveals basic features of action research aggregating its nature.
Practical Dimension
One of 3 complementary dimensions of action research:
Process approach of action research including recommended stages of conduct.
Conceptual Matrix
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
Approach
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
Methodology
Basic feature of Action Research
Can include:
- Continuous (more than occasional)
- Proactive and strategically determined
- Documented
- Qualitative
- Mixed
- Based on cooperation
- Critical
Impact on Practice
Basic feature of Action Research
Can include:
- Innovative
- Interventionist
- Transforming
- Integrating
- Explaining
- Standardising
Emancipatory Action Research
- Compliance with rules of ethics
- Reciprocity among action research participants
- Theory built through dialogue rather than imposition of researcher
- Consistent reflection
Principles in Action Research
- Participation & cooperation
- Continual spiral cycle of self-reflection
- General knowledge
- Transforming practice
Participatory Character
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.
Democratic Impulse
Key characteristic of action research:
- Participants to be seen as equal.
Focus Groups
Research method bringing people together as a small group of people to answer questions.
