ACTION RESEARCH

 ACTION RESEARCH

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.

Action research is characterized by clear stages, which include:

• A consideration of action (reflection and reconnaissance);
• Implementation of 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.

Advantages

• Action research is highly adaptable, allowing researchers to mold their analysis to their individual needs and implement practical individual-level changes.
• Action research provides an immediate and actionable path forward for solving entrenched issues, rather than suggesting complicated, longer-term solutions rooted in complex data.
• Done correctly, action research can be very empowering, informing social change and allowing participants to effect that change in ways meaningful to their communities.

Disadvantages

• Due to their flexibility, action research studies are plagued by very limited generalizability and are very difficult to replicate. They are often not considered theoretically rigorous due to the power the researcher holds in drawing conclusions.
• Action research can be complicated to structure in an ethical manner. Participants may feel pressured to participate or to participate in a certain way.
• Action research is at high risk for research biases such as selection bias, social desirability bias, or other types of cognitive biases.