Wk6 - Action Research

Question 1

What is action research?

Answer 1

A collaborative approach, involving fact finding and experimentation to solve problems with an action based solution.

Question 2

What are the steps of the action research model?

Answer 2

• problem identification
• consultation with behavioural scientist
• data gathering and preliminary diagnosis
• feedback to client
• joint diagnosis
• joint action planning
• action
• data gathering after action
• feedback to client

Question 3

What were Lewin’s key points of action research?

Answer 3

• small scale and localised
• evaluative and reflective
• participatory
• change is based on collection and interpretation of data

Question 4

What are the characteristics of pure research?

Answer 4

• objective reality
• aim to expand knowledge
• well defined issues
• specific research questions
• researcher has no influence
• researcher acts individually
• a one shot design
• initiated by researcher
• theory testing

Question 5

Where are the characteristics of action research?

Answer 5

• construct/perceptual reality
• improve understanding and solve problems
• deal with fuzzy issues
• general research questions
• researcher has influence
• researcher acts collaboratively
• cyclical design
• initiated by client
• theory generation

Question 6

What are the differences between pure and action research in terms of setting and results?

Answer 6

Pure research - lab based, controlled environment, statistical based results, generalisable
Action research - conducted in the field, reported back to client, qualitative analysis, only relevant to current context.

Question 7

What are common criticisms of action research?

Answer 7

• steps are not sequential in real world -> needs flexibility
• little guidance is provided to consultant
• relevant but not rigorous
• difficult to generalise results
• risk of researcher bias

Question 8

What are two contemporary adaptions of action research?

Answer 8

• participatory action research

- appreciative enquiry

Question 9

Explain participatory action research?

Answer 9

• substantial increase in client involvement
• people working with consultants gain skills
• increases personal growth and awareness

Question 10

Explain appreciative inquiry?

Answer 10

• focus on positives of organisation

- aim to extend areas of positive, do not focus on improving weak areas

Question 11

What are the six steps of appreciative enquiry?

Answer 11

• focus on positives of organisation
• gather data about the best things
• examine data to find positive stories
• develop a vision of future with stakeholder
• devise actions
• evaluation