Action research
Action research is a method of research which allows researchers to build up on their knowledge or understanding while they carry out research. It makes it possible for research to be carried out in situations where it may be difficult to use other research methods. For instance, researchers may find action research useful when they want to remain flexible or they wish to engage the people in the system that is being researched. This kind of research is also useful in situations that are too ambiguous to come up with precise research questions. Additionally, action research can be used in cases where researchers wish to bring about change as they carry out research.
Specifically, practitioners or professionals can use action research in cases where they wish to improve understanding of their practice. For example, a teacher can use this kind of research when he wants to find out if group activities will improve his students’ performance in math. He evaluates the performance of his students using whole-group instruction for four weeks. He then assigns his students into small groups and supplements his instruction with learning activities for each of the small groups for another four weeks. Subsequently, he evaluates student performance again. Based on the action research results, the teacher changes his approach to teaching math accordingly.
A number of attributes distinguish action research from other kinds of research. The major distinguishing factor is its focus on developing the people involved into researchers as well; when people take part in the research, they learn better and are more willingly to put into practice whatever they learn. Additionally, action research has a social aspect; it is carried out in real-world situations, and its aim is to find solutions to real problems. Lastly, the researcher, unlike in other types of research, does not make any effort to remain objective; rather, he or she openly acknowledges his or her bias to the other participants.
References
Dick, B. (2009, March 2). Action research. Retrieved December 7, 2011, from www.scu.edu.au: http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/ar/arp/arfaq.html
Mertler, C. A. (2008). Action research: teachers as researchers in the classroom (2, illustrated, annotated ed.). California, USA: Sage.
O’Brien, R. (2007). An Overview of the Methodological Approach of Action Research. Retrieved December 7, 2011, from www.web.net: http://www.web.net/robrien/papers/arfinal.html
