Action Research Approaches

2021 ◽  
pp. 119-139
Author(s):  
Karen E. Watkins ◽  
Aliki Nicolaides ◽  
Victoria J. Marsick
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Complex World ◽  
Action Science ◽  
Action Inquiry ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
Kurt Lewin ◽  
Address System ◽  
Research Action ◽  
Insight Into

The contemporary use of action research draws on the exploratory, inductive nature of many qualitative research approaches—no matter the type of data collected—because the type of research problems studied are complex, dynamic, and located in rapidly changing contexts. When action research is undertaken to support social and organizational change, support from stakeholders affected by the research problem is essential, creating further complexity. Action research may serve as an alternative to more traditional views of social science. In this chapter, the authors describe action research as envisioned by Kurt Lewin, its originator. They show how two variants of action research—action science and collaborative developmental action inquiry—advance insight into how action research can be used to develop personal capability to address system changes that action research seeks to unveil. They conclude with reflections on criteria for rigor and relevance in action research in today's post-modern, complex world.

Emerging Action Research Traditions

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 71-81
Author(s):  
Karen E. Watkins ◽  
Aliki Nicolaides ◽  
Victoria J. Marsick
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Action Science ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Action Inquiry ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
Kurt Lewin ◽  
Address System

The authors argue here that contemporary use of action research shares the exploratory, inductive nature of many qualitative research approaches—no matter the type of data collected—because the type of research problems studied are set in complex, dynamic, rapidly changing contexts and because action research is undertaken to support social and organizational change that requires buy-in from many stakeholders affected by the research problem. Action research serves as a critique and alternative to more traditional views of social science. In this article, the authors first describe action research as defined by Kurt Lewin, its originator. They show how two variants of action research—Action Science and Collaborative Developmental Action Inquiry—advance insight into how action research can be used to develop personal capability to address system changes that action research seeks to unveil. By using the example of an innovative action research approach to doctoral research, the authors illustrate the context-rich, exploratory nature of action research that both generates knowledge for and in change, and developmentally engages collaborating researchers and participants. They conclude with reflections on criteria for rigor and relevance in action research in today's post-modern, complex world.

Action Research Approaches

2018 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Karen E. Watkins ◽  
Aliki Nicolaides ◽  
Victoria J. Marsick
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Complex World ◽  
Doctoral Research ◽  
Action Research Approach ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
Kurt Lewin ◽  
Innovative Action

The contemporary use of action research draws on the exploratory, inductive nature of many qualitative research approaches because the type of research problems studied are complex, dynamic, and located in rapidly changing contexts. When action research is undertaken to support social and organizational change, support from stakeholders affected by the research problem is essential, creating further complexity. Action research may serve as an alternative to more traditional views of social science. In this chapter, the authors describe action research as envisioned by Kurt Lewin, its originator. Using the example of an innovative action research approach to doctoral research, they illustrate the context-rich, exploratory nature of action research that both generates knowledge for change and engages collaborating researchers and participants. The authors conclude with reflections on criteria for rigor and relevance in action research in today's post-modern, complex world.

scholarly journals Peningkatan Kompetensi Profesional Calon Konselor dalam Menulis Proposal Penelitian

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Ardimen Ardimen
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Problem Based Learning ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Research Proposal ◽  
Learning Method ◽  
Research Subjects ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
Usability Research ◽  
Concept Theory ◽  
Increased Activity

The purpose of this research is to improve the ability of prospective counselor in writing a research proposal through Problem Based Learning method/ Inquiry (PBL/I) and in particular its purpose is to (1) determine the increased activity of the prospective counselor in writing a research proposal with PBL/I method, and (2) the increase in the ability of prospective counselors in writing a research proposal. This study uses classroom action research with the research subjects were VII semester student majoring BK IAIN Batusangkar. The results of the study in the first cycle showed an increase in activity and the ability of prospective counselors in writing a research proposal. This increase is very varied in accordance with the capability and experience of the students. The results of the second cycle study showed mastery of each indicator, but the indicators are controlled and enhanced by the prospective counselor in the research proposal is; select and formulate the title of the actual and straightforward, choosing and using the concept/ theory/ reference that is current and relevant to support the research problem, enter the empirical facts in the background of the problem, restrict and define problems, formulate objectives in line with the formulation of research problems, formulating usability research, select and use the theory / concept of the actual, choose the appropriate method to the problem and research objectives, and the ability to follow the format of the research proposal.

scholarly journals AN EFFECT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CONFLICT TO ELSA PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT IN FROZEN: PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACH

JURNAL BASIS ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 163
Author(s):  
Marson Goh ◽  
Tomi Arianto
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Method ◽  
Character Development ◽  
Personality Development ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Psychological Approach ◽  
Research Problems ◽  
Kurt Lewin ◽  
Psychological Conflict ◽  
Approach Avoidance ◽  
Descriptive Qualitative

In this research, the researcher was focusing on the psychological conflict and the character development in which it could be found in the character of Elsa in Frozen. There were two theories that the researcher used for the research problems in this research. The first theory that the researcher used to answer the first research problem was about the psychological conflict that was proposed by Kurt Lewin to find variety of psychological conflict that was expressed by the character of Elsa in the story itself. As for the second theory that the researcher used to answer the second research problem was about the personality development which was proposed by Elizabeth B. Hurlock to explain the effect of psychological conflict to Elsa personality development. In this research, the researcher used descriptive qualitative method. The result of this analysis showed that there were two kinds of psychological conflict which was shown in Elsa character which were approach-avoidance conflict and avoidance-avoidance conflict and those two conflicts which gave a huge effect to Elsa personality development in which the researcher found that there are five determinants they are emotional, aspiration and achievement, intellectual, social, and family. 

scholarly journals Lean Management “Quick-Wins”: Results of Implementation. A Case Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Rodrigues ◽  
José C.V. De Sá ◽  
Luís P. Ferreira ◽  
Francisco J.G. Silva ◽  
Gilberto Santos
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Human Resources ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Occupancy Rate ◽  
Implementation Evaluation ◽  
Kurt Lewin ◽  
Lean Tools ◽  
Research Action

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> This study comprised two main goals. The first goal demonstrates how LT (Lean Tools) allows the highest impact during the implementation phase.The second goal consisted of introducing procedure changes based on the Management of Human Resources through Lean Leadership tool. The target for these two objectives is to achieve an increase of 5% in machine occupancy rate and a reduction of 10% regarding the costs of defective products per hour.</p><p><strong>Methodology/Approach:</strong> The research methodology is a Action-Research/Research-Action developed by Professor Kurt Lewin of MIT that goes through cycles of five stages: Diagnosis; Planning; Implementation; Evaluation, Conclusions.</p><p><strong>Findings:</strong> Regarding the two objectives above mentioned, it was observed an increase of 8.5% in machine occupancy rate and a reduction of 27.9% regarding the costs per hour of defective products. It was created an additional motivation in the employees and very satisfying results in every production.</p><p><strong>Research Limitation/implication:</strong> The study is limited to a Portuguese Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) in the metalworking sector.</p><p><strong>Originality/Value of paper:</strong> Lean tools can be rapidly and easily implemented and quickly understood by the workers. With that implementation, the occupation of the machines has increased and the defects and their costs have decreased, so the added value grows.</p>

Meta-theory in action research: from field theory to action science

2011 ◽  
pp. 51-66
Author(s):  
Victor J. Friedman
Keyword(s):  
Field Theory ◽  
Action Research ◽  
Action Science ◽  
The World ◽  
Kurt Lewin ◽  
Meta Theory

The goal of this paper is to argue for the importance of ‘meta-theories', or "theories about how to build theories", in action research. Meta-theories express the fundamental assumptions about the world that underlie a theory and influence our ability to combine knowledge and communicate. Action research was originally based on "field theory", a meta-theory developed by Kurt Lewin but largely abandoned by his followers. One of the few meta-theories to have emerged from action research is "action science", which developed by Chris Argyris and Donald Schön. Although there appears to be little similarity between the two meta-theories (i.e. field theory and action science), this paper argues that they actually complement each other. It suggests that integrating field theory and action science into a unified meta-theory can provide action researchers and practitioners with concepts that can enable them see their "behavioral world" in ways expand the range of possible goals, actions, and relationships.

Action Research, Action Learning, and Appreciative Inquiry

2019 ◽  
pp. 76-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen E. Watkins ◽  
Victoria J. Marsick ◽  
Ilene Wasserman
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Appreciative Inquiry ◽  
Local Knowledge ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Knowledge Generation ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Learning And Change ◽  
Research Action ◽  
Insight Into

This chapter introduces Action Research (AR), Action Learning (AL), and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) as three evidence-based intervention approaches to support learning and change for individuals, groups, and larger systems. The authors show that, despite differences, all three approaches share intellectual roots and participatory learning strategies. Each approach privileges relevance for local knowledge; hence, knowledge is defined in local terms. What is particularly powerful about these approaches is that they have embedded processes, tested over time, that facilitate transformation and that reliably support local knowledge generation along with insight into conditions and system dynamics that improve results. From the perspective of organization development (OD), the authors rely on these approaches as particularly effective because they operate at multiple levels: they change individuals, groups, and systems. These multi-faceted, systemic evidence-based approaches are very powerful OD strategies that simultaneously deepen individual and organizational learning and growth.

Shadowing and Consensus Building: a golden bridge

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 66-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianella Sclavi
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Decision Process ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Integrative Approach ◽  
Active Listening ◽  
Consensus Building ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Action Science ◽  
Kurt Lewin

Purpose – Much of what the author want to say in this paper had to do with “control” “exactness,” “precision” and their declination in both: shadowing and Consensus Building Approach. The purpose of this paper is to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper upholds two things: first, that shadowing is a field technique particularly attuned to action research as defined by Chris Argyris: “I would summarize [action-research and action-science] by saying that Kurt Lewin did three things: he was committed to understanding reality as the participants understood it, he used a combination of so-called ‘normal’ science with a narrative-integrative approach, and he tested his ideas by trying to change the things that he was studying.” Findings – Second, that the results of such a research are best understood by the organization's management when the interpretation and decision process follow an approach based on active listening and an inclusive participatory methodology such as Consensus Building. Originality/value – When this does not happen, the shadowing methodology allows a very rich research experience with no real impact on the organization's life.

scholarly journals An Application of Logic in Everyday Life

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 104
Author(s):  
Abdul Shakil
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Everyday Life ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Collaborative Inquiry ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Kurt Lewin ◽  
Research Action ◽  
Variations On A Theme ◽  
Area Of Study

<div><p><em>This is an action research on “An Application of Logic in Everyday Life”. Logic is an important area of study which can be applied in our day to day life activities. So it is fair enough to do an action research on an application of logical. Action research is known by many other names such as participatory research, collaborative inquiry, emancipatory research, action learning, and contextual action research. But all these kinds are variations on a theme. In other words, we can simply say that action research is “learning by doing.” A group of people identify a problem, do something to resolve it, see how successful their efforts were, and if not satisfied, try again. Prof Kurt Lewin, a German psychologist, first coined the term ‘action research’ in his paper entitled, “Action Research and Minority Problems”, published in 1946(  Jagadish, 2012, p.108). Lewin is therefore known as the father of action research. </em></p></div>

scholarly journals Using Innovation and Action Research to Build TESOL Teacher Capacity in Vietnam

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Benedict Andrew
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Educational Innovation ◽  
Research Problem ◽  
Teacher Capacity ◽  
Professional Educators ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
Research Problems

Critical insights from educational innovation research inform TESOL educators in Vietnam that pedagogical interventions should be particular to their context and environment. This paper presents a qualitative descriptive analysis of four teachers who are students in a Master of Education (TESOL) program delivered in Vietnam by within a partnership between an Australian and a Vietnamese University. The study draws on the assessed work of students in the unit Innovation which aims to encourage its students, all of whom are experienced professional educators, to identify a research problem specific to their teaching and learning environment and design a research question built around a pedagogical or curricular intervention they can ethically implement and evaluate within their workplaces. This activity, serving as both curriculum and assessment, empowers students to apply a segment of an action research cycle to their classrooms. The study presents four narratives of teacher/researchers engaged in innovation research, identifying research problems, developing topics and lines of enquiry and ultimately evaluating their projects reflectively. This pedagogical approach articulates the idea that the best people to know what innovations are required in Vietnamese educational contexts are the teachers themselves. Additionally, the findings support the use of an action research-focused pedagogy as an appropriate approach for use in TESOL programs in such developing nations as Vietnam.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document