2. Action research is described as “critical research dealing with
real-life problems, involving collaboration, dialogue, mutual
learning , and producing tangible results” (Denzin and Lincoln
2008, p. 643)
Two main types of action research:
Critical action research – “the goal is
liberating individuals through knowledge
gathering; also known as emancipatory
action research” (Gay, Mills, Airasian, 2009 p. 488).
Practical action research – emphasizes more
of a “how to” approach to the processes of
action research and has a less philosophical
bent (Gay, Mills, Airasian, 2009 p. 488).
3. Characteristics of action
research (Gay, Mills, Airasian, 2009 p. 486).
Persuasive and authoritative – action research is done
by individuals interested in solving every day problems they encounter in their
job, data sources are identified that provide persuasive insights into the
possibility and impact of an intervention.
Relevant – to the participants and researcher in their particular context
because researcher identifies the area of focus based on specific problems
they encounter
Accessible – not tied to the rigorous methods of other research
approaches. Action researchers challenge their own assumptions, and are
willing to reflect on and change their thinking and practice
4. The basic steps in the action research
project (Mills, G, 2000)
Identify an area of
focus
Collect data
Analyze and Interpret
Data
Develop an action
plan
5. Action research in action
*open link and scroll down to page 178 for example of action research
COME TO MY WEB (SITE) SAID THE SPIDER TO
THE FLY: REFLECTIONS ON THE LIFE OF A
VIRTUAL PROFESSOR (Mills, G, 2000 p.
178)
http://resources.educ.queensu.ca/ar/sstep/S-STEP3-2000.pdf#page=186
6. *Using the model below identify a problem you are experiencing in your
job or as a student. Imagine and outline the basic steps you might
take in your own action research project
Identify a problem
you might be
experiencing
What kind of data
could you collect to
lead to insights about
the problem?
What insights might
the data reveal?
What plan or process
could you put in
place to remedy the
problem?
7. References:
Denzin, N.K., & Lincoln Y.S. (Eds.). (2008). Collecting and Interpreting Qualitative
Materials (3rded.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications
Gay, L. R., Mills, G. E., & Airasian, P. (2009). Educational Research: Competencies
for analysis and applications (ninth ed.) Columbia, Ohio: Pearson Education
Ltd.
Mills, G. (2000). Come to my web (site) said the spider to the fly:
reflections on the life of a virtual professor in Loughran, J. & Russell, T.
(Eds.).(2000). Exploring myths and legends of teacher education (pp. 178-
182). East Sussex, UK. Retrieved from
http://resources.educ.queensu.ca/ar/sstep/S-STEP3-2000.pdf#page=186
