Doing participatory action research in community projects

What is action research, and why use it?

 

Stronger Families Learning Exchange resources

Branigan, E
But how can you prove it? Issues of rigour in action research.
Stronger Families Learning Exchange Bulletin no.2 Spring - Summer 2002: 12-13, and Online
http://www.aifs.gov.au /sf/pubs/bull2/eb.html

This article explains how action research achieves rigour in its careful application of multiple methods techniques.

Lienert, T
Why use action research?
Stronger Families Learning Exchange Bulletin no.1 Autumn 2002: 4-5, and Online (103K)
http://www.aifs.gov.au/ sf/pubs/bull1/tl.pdf

The author provides an overview of what action research is, and the use of an action research approach to evaluate programs.

What the Australian literature has to say:

Angwin, J, ed.
The essence of action research: proceedings from the ALRNNV (Language Australia) Seminar.
Waurn Ponds Vic: Deakin Centre for Education and Change, Deakin University, 1998, 62p

This volume contains the proceedings of a seminar on action research for people working in adult education and training. Papers are: The essence of participatory action research, by John Wilson, Beverley Campbell and Jennifer Angwin; Action research under attack, by John Wilson; Action research exemplary projects: the Asturias project, by Stephen Kemmis; Does participatory action research have an essence? by Robin McTaggart; The U &I project as an illuminative action research case story, by Yoland Wadsworth; Two snapshots of action research, by Christine Riddell; The CGEA action research evaluation project: some methodological reflections, by Jill Sanguinetti; Reflecting on action research: at home and abroad, by Jennifer Angwin; and, The concluding discussion: some notes, by John Wilson.

Dick, B
Action research: action and research.
In: Sankaran, S.et al, eds. Effective change management using action learning and action research: concepts, frameworks, processes, applications. Lismore, NSW: Southern Cross University Press, 2001, p21-27, figures

The author proposes action research as a rigorous alternative methodology whose research component can act as an umbrella for other methodologies. He describes how the cycles of theory and practice can enhance each other, with the alternation of action and critical reflection. He argues that due to its cyclic, participatory and qualitative nature, action research is flexible and rigorous. He also emphasises the role of the disconfirmation of evidence.

Hatten, R., Knapp, D. and Salonga, R.
Action research: comparison with the concepts of 'the reflective practitioner' and 'quality assurance'
Action research e-reports - Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, 2000 - Online only
http://www2.fhs.usyd.edu.au/arow///arer/008.htm
The concept of action research is examined and explained in a comparative context.

Sankaran, S, ed.; Dick, B, ed.; Passfield, R, ed.; Swepson, P, ed.
Effective change management using action learning and action research: concepts, frameworks, processes, applications.
Lismore, NSW: Southern Cross University Press, 2001, 282p, figures, tables, ill.

This book provides diverse writings on approaches in action research and action learning, with practical examples from the Asia Pacific region. It helps explain some of the relevant concepts, frameworks and processes involved in methodologies designed to effectively manage change.

Seymour, F W; Davies, E
Using action research to facilitate change in child protection services.
In: One child's reality, everyone's responsibility: proceedings, 8th Australasian Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect. Melbourne, Vic: Department of Human Services, 2001, CD-ROM, 6p

The authors explain how an action research approach allows for the collaboration of researchers, service providers and clients in the analysis of a social problem and/or related social services. It also allows for the multiple roles demanded of the researcher in facilitation of change. The more common approaches of scientific inquiry and program evaluation assume a one way influence of science on practice, which may partially account for the low rates of utilisation of research knowledge and low participation in research by practitioners. Advantages and problems in action research are illustrated by reference to the child protection projects the authors are currently involved in. (Author abstract, edited)

Wadsworth, Y
What is participatory action research?
Lismore, NSW: Southern Cross University - Action Research International paper 2, 1998, Online only
http:/ /www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/ar/ari/p-ywadsworth98.html

The author explains that this paper came about in response to requests to speak about some of the collective wisdom that has been generated over many decades by people who have identified what they do using the term 'participatory action research'. She sets out to identify some of the main characteristics of participatory action research, and to present her views on what it is, and some of the barriers to its practice. Throughout, participatory action research is contrasted with formulations of conventional research science.

Zuber-Skerritt, O
Action learning and action research; paradigm, praxis and programs.
In: Sankaran, S.et al, eds. Effective change management using action learning and action research: concepts, frameworks, processes, applications. Lismore, NSW: Southern Cross University Press, 2001, p1-20, figures, tables, ill.

The author presents an overview of how action learning and action research methodologies have developed since the 1920s. She defines both, and explains the differences between the two and how they come into their own in times of rapid technological and socio-economic change. In response to criticisms that action researchers don't produce scientific research and theory, she offers possible theoretical frameworks for action learning and action research. She presents some brief explanations of how grounded theory, personal construct theory, critical theory and systems theory relate to action learning and action research.

Useful links

Action research e-reports
University of Sydney
A series of reports on different aspects of action research.

Action Research Resources
Southern Cross University
Online resource papers are presented which support Areol (action research and evaluation on line), a 14-week public course offered each semester as a public service by Southern Cross University and the Institute of Workplace Research Learning and Development. The resource papers include case studies, 'how to' guides, evaluation, theories, bibliographies, public consultation, participative processes, etc.

Reconnect action research kit
Crane, P. and Richardson, L. Commonwealth Department of Family and Community Services, 2000
This kit is designed to explain 'action research' and how it 'fits' into the Federal Government's Reconnect Program, an early intervention program which addresses the needs of young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, and their families.

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