Nonprofit Management by Elaine P. Congress

Author:Elaine P. Congress
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Published: 2016-08-10T07:00:00+00:00

Action-Oriented Research

Action research, including participatory action research, is a collaborative research and evaluation framework in which creating positive social change and social justice are the driving forces. There are several common themes across action-oriented research methods. The methods used are highly rigorous and reflective, characterized by actively engaging participants and contributors in the research process, offering the participants practical outcomes, and using a spiraling of steps comprised of collaborative planning, action, and evaluation (Stringer, 2007; Suarez-Balcazar & Harper, 2003).

Action research differs from traditional research and evaluation approaches in several ways. The action research approach is heavily reflective, experiential, and participatory. All individuals participating in the study, including research team members and participants alike, take part in the research process from problem formulation, data gathering, analyzing the results, and taking action. An action research project also generates information directly for the individuals or agencies that need it. The strategies used often merge research, education, and sociopolitical action. It also educates and empowers the individuals involved in the project to use the information gained to take sociopolitical action (McIntyre, 2000, 2008).

Action research uses methods that suggest parity in the research process, consistent with human rights and social justice philosophies. An action-oriented research approach democratizes knowledge production and use. It is ethical in that the participants take part in the process and can reap the benefits of the knowledge gained. It uses an ecological and strengths perspective and assumes a holistic view of a human being’s ability to reflect, learn, and transform (Stringer, 2007; Stringer & Dwyer, 2005).

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