ACTION RESEARCHin Development Communication

A presentation by

Dr. Ankuran DuttaHead, Department of Communication and Journalism

Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam, India &Managing Trustee

Dr. Anamika Ray Memorial Trust

Outline

Research Objectives of Research Basic Types of Research Basic Vs Applied Research Types of Applied Research Action Research The Meaning of “Action” What is Action Research? Traditional vs Action research Why Conduct Action Research Action Research Model Types of Action Research 5 Phases of Action Research Let us sum up

Research

The word ‘research’ stands for re-search. It refers to a search for knowledge. Research can be defined as the search for knowledge or any

systematic investigation to establish facts. Research is the systematic process of collecting and

analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under study.

It is the function of the researcher to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others.

Research is a process of investigation. It is an examination of a subject from different points of view. It’s

not just a trip to the library to pick up a stack of materials, or picking the first five hits from a computer search. Research is a hunt for the truth.

Objectives of Research

The prime objectives of research are to discover new facts to verify and test important facts to analyse an event or process or phenomenon to

identify the cause and e ect relationshipff to develop new scientific tools, concepts and theo-

ries to solve and understand scientific and nonsci-entific problems

to find solutions to scientific, nonscientific and social problems and

to overcome or solve the problems occurring in our every day life

Basic Types of Research

Fundamental or Basic Research

Basic research is an investigation on basic principles and reasons for occurrence of a particular event or process or phenomenon. It is also called theoretical research. Study or investigation of some natural phenomenon or relating to pure science is termed as basic research. Research on improving a theory or a method is also referred as fundamental research.

Applied Research

In an applied research one solves certain problems employing well known and accepted theories and principles. Most of the experimental research, case studies and inter-disciplinary research are essentially applied research. A research, the outcome of which has immediate application is also termed as applied research. Such a research is of practical use to current activity. For example, research on social problems has immediate use.

Basic Vs Applied Research

Basic research Applied researchSeeks generalization Studies individual or specific

cases without the objective to generalize

Attempts to explain why

things happen

Tries to say how things can beChanged

Tries to get all the facts

Tries to correct the facts which are problematic

Reports in technical language of the topic

Reports in common language

Types of Applied Research

Impact Assessment Research

Evaluation Research

Action Research

Action Research

Research is a means to action, either to improve our practice or to take action to deal with a new problem or an issue.

It is carried out to identify areas of concern, develop and test alternatives and experiment with new approaches.

As the name suggests, action research comprises two components— Action & Research

The Meaning of “Action”

Action is what distinguishes action research from the traditional research.

Action researchers undertake a study because they want to know whether they can do something in a better way.

What is Action Research?

Action Research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice, systematically and carefully, using the techniques of research.(Watts,H,1985).

It is conducted by people who want to do something to improve their own situation.

It is concerned with changing situations, not just interpreting them.

Defining A/R

Action research is a reflective process of progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams or as part of a "community of practice" to improve the way they address issues and solve problems. Action research can also be undertaken by larger organizations or institutions, assisted or guided by professional researchers, with the aim of improving their strategies, practices, and knowledge of the environments within which they practice

Defining A/R

Action research is a particular approach of research that aims to improve practice or have a real world application. In other words, it is research that aims to make a real change or impact in society.

Defining A/R

Action research is known by many other names, including participatory research, collaborative inquiry, emancipatory research, action learning etc.

Action research...aims to contribute both to the practical concerns of people in an immediate problematic situation and to further the goals of social science simultaneously.  Thus, there is a dual commitment in action research to study a system and concurrently to collaborate with members of the system in changing it in what is together regarded as a desirable direction.  

Defining A/R

Simply, 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.  

So, Action research is..

Is exploratory (rather than narrow or habitual) Is reflective (rather than rote or unthinking) Promotes engagement (rather than aloofness) Is inquisitive (rather than disinterested) Is collaborative and participatory (rather than

disconnected from dialogue and participation with others)

Is emergent (rather than formulaic or mechanistic)

So, Action research is..

Promotes telling and listening to stories (not just abstractions)

Is concerned with human values and social justice (not with so-called value-free research)

Involves taking one’s own experiences and insights seriously, as a basis for thinking, writing, conversations with others, and larger action (rather than relying only on the knowledge from books and the ideas embedded in existing policies and practices within organizations)

Involves looking beyond oneself, as well as in doing reviews of literature and interviews with others

Involves writing and rewriting in our own voice, to communicate and share with others, to stimulate collaboration and participation with others, and to refine ideas and strategies

Traditional vs Action researchWhat? Traditional Research Action Research

Who? Conducted by university professors, and scholars.

Conducted by the educationist(teachers and head of the institutions)

Where? In environment where variables can be controlled.

In schools and classrooms

How? Using rigorous research design to show a cause-effect relationship. Major attention is given to reducing error and bias

Using less controlled procedures to understand the effects of some educational intervention. Changes are made during the study.

Why? To obtain knowledge that is generalizable and to develop and test educational theories.

To obtain knowledge that can be applied directly to the local classroom situation and to give the participating teachers in service training.

Why Conduct Action Research

To explore and experiment with different teaching methods.

To improve communication and networking .

To promote personal and professional development.

To stimulate a sense of empowerment.

Action Research Model

Simple Action Research Model(from MacIsaac, 1995)

Action Research Model

Detailed Action Research Model(adapted from Susman 1983)

Types of Action Research

Traditional Action Research

Contextural Action Research (Action Learning)

Radical Action Research

Educational Action Research

5 Phases of Action Research

1. Problem Formulation

2. Data Collection

3. Data Analysis

4. Reporting of Result

5. Action Planning

Problem Formulation

If we are not clear and specific about what the problem is, how will we develop and plan to solve the problem and how will we know when the problem is solved.

Problem Formulation Steps

Define the problem by isolating the real problem from other confounding variables that affect the problem.

Select the strategies that would be more appropriate to solve the problem.

Narrow down the problem to a few questions to be answered.

State the problem as an action research question.

Review the literature and revise your question.

Questions

Who is affected by this problem? Is this an important and practical problem? What is the possible cause of the problem? What are some of the issues related to the

problem? What is my goal for changing this situation? What will I do about the problem?

Data Collection

The information should be compelling. The credibility of the research effort will

depend on the quality of the data used to support its conclusions.

There must be some sources of data collection for each of the specific research question(s).

Focusing the Data Collection

What types of data should we try to collect in order to answer our question?

How will we ensure that we have multiple perspectives?

What resources exist and what information from others might be useful in deciding on types of data to collect?

Data Analysis

Analysis means making sense of the information we have collected.

What can we learn from the data? This step involves looking systematically at all

the data collected to see what trends or patterns emerge and what conclusions, if any can be drawn.

What meaning these results, insights and new understanding have for our practice and for our students?

Results/ Findings

Inviting others to learn from our practice is one of the most powerful and rewarding aspects of the action research process.

The report summarizes each teacher’s journey so that others may learn.

Share what has been learned in different ways.

Action Planning

This is the ACTION part of action research.

Change our instructional strategy or implement a new one.

Establish a pilot project.Seek support and collaboration.

Action Research in Dev Com/ C4D Dev Com or C4D involves understanding people, their beliefs and

values, the social and cultural norms that shape their lives. It involves engaging communities and listening to adults and children as they identify problems, propose solutions and act upon them. It is seen as a two-way process for sharing ideas and knowledge using a range of communication tools and approaches that empower individuals and

communities to take actions to improve their lives (UNICEF). The basic idea in Dev Com or C4D is to empower individuals and

communities and to take actions to improve their lives. In the process of empowering the communities, communication

strategies play a significant role. Hence, the strategies may be needed to modify considering the outcome. Action research helps to provide the findings of the strategies and necessary changes can be made for better results.

Let us sum up

The action research process allows teachers to continuously examine their practices in developmental communication; always collecting data, always analyzing data, and always planning for new action.

Richard Sagor(1993) describes action research as peeling away layers of onion. Removing one layer usually reveals another layer that prompts further examination.

References

Mills, G. E. (2000). Action Research: A guide for teacher researcher. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Sagor, R. (1993). How to conduct collaborative action research. Alexandria,VA: ASCD.

Southard, M. (2006). What Is the Action Research Process?, online available.

McNiff, J. (1988) Action Research: Principles and Practice, Basingstoke, Macmillan.

O'Brien, R. (2001). An Overview of the Methodological Approach of Action Research. Online Available

Rajasekar, S.; Philominathan P.; Chinnathambi V. Research Methodology, online available

Action Research at wikipedia Alston M., Bowles W. (2003). Research for Social Workers, Rawat Pub. Somekh B., Lewin C. (ed) (2008). Research Methods in Social Sciences,

Vistaar Pub.

Thank you

Address

Dr. Ankuran DuttaManaging Trustee

Dr. Anamika Ray Memorial TrustE-mail: ankurandutta@gmail.com