ACTION RESEARCH

 

 DEFINITION

Action research is a research method that aims to simultaneously investigate and solve an issue. In other words, as its name suggests, action research conducts research and takes action at the same time. It was first coined as a term in 1944 by MIT professor Kurt Lewin (George, 2023).

A highly interactive method, action research is often used in the social sciences, particularly in educational settings. Particularly popular with educators as a form of systematic inquiry, it prioritises reflection and bridges the gap between theory and practice. Due to the nature of the research, it is also sometimes called a cycle of action or a cycle of inquiry (George, 2023).

 CHARACTERISTICS

According to Arnold (2007), action research is characterised by clear stages, which include:

• A consideration of action (reflection and reconnaissance);
• Implementation of an action for improvement to individual practice;
• The use of data collection on the action;
• A review of the action through consideration of data;
• The identification of further opportunities for improving intervention.

Throughout each stage the researcher’s learning is articulated and reinvested into the process. In the process learning occurs for practice, about practice and through practice (Arnold, 2007).

Action research is a type of inquiry that is practical as it involves making change to practice and theoretical as it is informed by theory and can generate new insights (Arnold, 2007).

MAIN USES

Action research is typically used when an individual or a group seeks to solve a problem or improve upon a particular practice in a real-world setting. It is a method of conducting research that emphasizes collaboration between researchers and practitioners, and involves cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The aim of action research is to produce knowledge that can be used to improve practice, and it is often used in fields such as education, healthcare, and social work. For example, a group of teachers might use action research to improve their teaching methods, or a healthcare organization could use action research to improve its patient care practices. Action research is an effective approach for understanding and addressing complex problems in specific contexts, and can lead to tangible improvements in practice (Bradbury, 2015). 

ADVANTGES AND DISAVANTAGES

Advantages of Action Research:

1. It encourages folks who haven’t been involved in research to show an interest in it.
2. Instead of being passive objects, it describes people as active participants.
3. Participation in groups fosters motivation and maintains interest.
4. The participants can relate to the research’s focus.
5. The research findings are being tracked alongside the actions in order to provide timely feedback.
6. It is a suitable and acceptable strategy for use in social and medical contexts.
7. Making sure your company research is practically applicable is one of the key benefits of conducting action research. Action research can help to improve the effect and reputation of business research within the business community since it involves engaging with individuals in business organizations.
8. It helps participants and researchers to be self-aware.
9. The conclusions from this study might be useful in other, comparable locations and circumstances.

Source: Admi (2022, October 1). Advantages and Disadvantages of Action Research. Avaible at: https://allthingsstatistics.com/miscellaneous/advantages-disadvantages-action-research/

Disadvantages of Action Research:

1. The difficulty of doing action research is one of its key drawbacks.
2. Its nature and definition are not well defined.
3. Generalizing conclusions beyond the local situation may not be valid.
4. It could take a lot of time for little reward.
5. Such projects may run across professional, and cultural barriers.
6. The ethical problems need to be managed and addressed carefully.

Source: Admi (2022, October 1). Advantages and Disadvantages of Action Research. Avaible at: https://allthingsstatistics.com/miscellaneous/advantages-disadvantages-action-research/