QRMSS Ch. 7 Action Research

Chapter 7 of QRMSS is about action research. The book defines action research as a process that “gives credence to the development of powers of reflective thought, discussion, decision and action by ordinary people participating in collective research on ‘private troubles’ that they have in common” (Adelman, 1993, p. 8). In other words, using data gathered to improve studied peoples’ lives. The researcher gets involved not only from an academic standpoint, but working together within the community to make positive change happen. With the help of a selected group of individuals, data can be gathered and produced, as well as information and knowledge to inspire change.

Action research can be summed up in three basic phases: looking, thinking, and acting. We begin with identifying the problem at hand. When dealing with the community or group of people involved in the project, remember to be on their level. Also, recognize the capabilities and resources the community has available to them. The researcher and group will begin to gather information pertaining to issue. Action research is a systematic and dynamic process, so researcher will constantly be analyzing and tweaking the data gathered and explaining progress to group as this is a collaborative effort. Once the researcher interprets all the information gathered, it’s time to share results with the group. This approach to research uses a spiral method similar to the Spiraling Research Approach mentioned in Ch. 2 of this book. From here, positive action can be taken to improve the lives of the participants.

Remember that going into this research, you won’t know the answer or how to solve issue, but with the help of the community, data can be collected and together the problem can be addressed. Action research can be empowering to a community and put the ability and potential back into their hands!