CHAPTER 14

Action-Oriented Research and Action Research

Is it Action Research?

Action Research describes a cyclic process of planning, action and evaluation directed towards improving both understanding and action.

Action Research involves an ongoing development of ideas through (often collaborative) reflection on actions.

Action research as a spiral

Note opportunity

Diagnose/ investigate

Plan action

Take action

action

etc

Evaluate

Most action-oriented research is not Action Research

Action Research is a flexible approach which may involve a number of different methods.

It rests upon a pragmatic interest in knowledge as a tool for action and further knowing, and a belief that knowing takes place in a social context.

It involves a series of cycles of investigation, planning, action and evaluation.

Critical and usually collaborative reflection is a key feature.

Reflection is centralReflection is an integral component of action

research, which is based upon developing ideas that work in action.

Personal reflection is the foundation upon which collaborative reflection rests. It needs to be critical and disciplined.

Collaborative reflection requires an open and flexible mind – it accesses the perceptions and ways of thinking that typically form a substantial part of an organisational mess.

Evaluation criteria

Different evaluation criteria are needed for Action Research.

Ask whether the research:• produces enduring (and not initially

anticipated) consequences• deals with pragmatic issues to do with

practice• demonstrates democracy and

collaboration• addresses questions of significance• takes into account a number of different

ways of knowing(Reason and Bradbury, 2001)

Levels of inquiry

First person: inquiry into one’s own life and choices – prerequisite for . . .

Second person: collaborative inquiry through cycles of action and reflection leading to lasting change – may feed into . . .

Third person: many views brought together, allowing ‘whole system’ change

Challenges of Action ResearchMultiple cycles require an extended time

period

Collaborators are needed, willing to contribute substantial time and effort

The ‘insider’ position of the researcher raises issues of role conflict and power

Clients and researchers need to be able to live with uncertainty

Clients may be unimpressed by the seemingly ‘unscientific’ approach

Research contributions to changeAppropriate research can:• create commitment to change through

shared diagnosis• develop a shared understanding of what

change is required• build motivation for change• ensure that a wider view is taken and

coherence achieved• develop some of the new skills and

understanding required

Action Research lessons for any action-oriented project

Lessons from Action Research highlight the need for action-oriented research to consider:

• the perceived ownership of the project • stakeholder involvement throughout the

project• researchers’ ability to live with uncertainty• that successful change may be incremental

and bottom-up• the challenges of insider research

Insider-researcher challenges

Insiders have:

Pre-understanding – ie prior ‘knowledge’, preconceptions and assumptions

A dual role as player and researcherA vulnerability to political factors

From Coghlan (2001)

PlusThey may have a strong preference for a

particular ‘result’, with a consequent risk of bias

Insider-researcher opportunities

Similar factors also present opportunities

Understanding context may help focus inquiry

Insider knowledge may enable access to information

Understanding political factors may help gain acceptance of research

Contacts may gain resources and access to information.