Action Research

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Definition Action Research?

Action Research (AR) is a (typically  cyclic or spiral) process for planning change interventions and for intentional learning from experience, first described by social psychologist Kurt Lewin ('46) .

The method is characterized by intervention in real world systems, followed by close scrutiny of the effects.

The aim of AR aim is to improve practice, and AR is typically conducted by a combined team of practitioners and researchers.

AR can also be described as the process by which practitioners attempt to study their problems scientifically in order to guide, correct, and evaluate their decisions and actions. (Stephen Corey, 1953). Or more simply, as researching on the implications or effect of an action that is planned to resolve a certain problem.
 

It is an informal, qualitative, interpretive, reflective, collaborative and experimental methodology that requires all the participants to be collaborative researchers. AR is usually carried out by people who recognize a problem or limitation in their workplace situation and, together, devise a plan to counteract the problem, implement the plan, observe what happens, reflect on these outcomes, revise the plan, implement it, reflect, revise and so on.

In a way the AR method combines the strengths of academic research (objective, scientific, but not necessarily relevant) and consulting research (often subjective and case-based, often not very scientific, but tuned towards relevancy).

The Action Research Process

In its original form, AR was a three-step spiral process of 1. planning which involves reconnaissance; 2. taking actions; and 3. fact-finding about the results of the action. (Kurt Lewin, 1947)
 

A present-day action research cycle could have the following steps:

• Data Collection > Evaluation > Action > Critical Reflection > Data Collection > Evaluation > ...
• Planning (definition of the problem research practices) > Acting (implementation) > Observing (action and data collection) > Reflecting (developing revised action derived from what has been learned) > ... (Kemmis and McTaggart (1988).

Forum Forum about Action Research. Action Research as a Basis for Making Decisions Action research is simply defined as researching on the implications or effect of an action that is planned to resolve a certain problem. As such anyone who goes into research should be able to: - C... 13   2 comments Warner Burke Seven Phase Model Warner Burke’s Seven Phase Process Model builds on the original action research model. The seven phase process is used by OD consultants to help client address their personal challenges, team challen... 8   2 comments Action Research is About What Works in the Real World What I like about action research is that it appears to be about doing what works in the real world. Find out what is likely to work, do it, refine it... The most 'attractive' aspect for me is the ze... 5   2 comments Action Research Takes Place in a COMMUNITY In addition to what others have offered, action research involves identifying a problem within a community and mobilizing the community to collectively discuss the causes and to collectively seek solu... 4   3 comments What is the Influence of Action Research on Organizational Performance? Context: There's a rising number of universities, hence students have many choices, leading to some universities facing low student enrollments. I argue that if Action Research (AR) is used then a cu... 4   Action Research History. Main Theories The action research model was developed by the pioneers in the field of organization development as a method for planning change interventions. Kurt Lewin first coined the term “action research” in hi... 4   1 comments 🔥 Lewin's Action Research and Change Management What is the relevance / applicability of Kurt Lewin's Action Research Approach to Change Management?... 3   1 comments Action Research for Academic Staff Development The strength of good education in any educational institution depends on the quality of the academic staff in that there is no satisfactory substitute for competent staff that possesses sound educatio... 3   5 comments Weaknesses of Action Research Despite the many advantages that Action Research (AR) might have, Brydon-Miller et al. (2003) mention that one of the weaknesses of Action Research is: its localism. AR often takes place on the local ... 3   9 comments Start a new topic about Action Research Sign up for free

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Best Practices The best, top-rated topics about Action Research. Here you will find the most valuable ideas and practical suggestions. 🥇 Action Research in Universities I want to do a PhD in action research and sustainable competitive advantage.. My possible title is action research as an intangible asset for sustainable competitive advantage in catholic institutes o... 5   9 comments

Expert Tips Advanced insights about Action Research. Here you will find professional advices by experts. Consultancy Tips Teaching Tips Practical Implementation Tips Four Characteristic Dimensions of Action Research Action Research Characteristics, Comparison with Empirical Research Reason (2006) elaborates on action research and mentions 4 characteristics dimensions that together typify action resear... Action Research has Elements of Subjectivity AND Objectivity James Antwi Action research being a reflective action science has elements of subjectivity and objectivity and may therefore not fit...

Information Sources Various sources of information regarding Action Research. Here you will find powerpoints, videos, news, etc. to use in your own lectures and workshops. Action Research In-depth: Views, Critiques and Key Issues Action Research, Action Learning Presentation that discusses the concept of Action Research in more detail. The presentation includes the following secti... Views on Action Research and Teaching Teaching, Action Research, Professional Development for Teachers This presentation is about the concept of Action Research (AR) and how it is defined/applied in the context of teaching...

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