ACTION RESEARCH

                                                         ACTION RESEARCH

Action research is a research method that aims to simultaneously investigate and solve an issue. In other words, as its name suggests, action research conducts research and takes action at the same time. It was first coined as a term in 1944 by MIT professor Kurt Lewin.

Characteristics of the method/technique 

● This type of research is used for the purpose of improving specific practices. 

● This research is based on action, evaluation and critical analysis of practices based on previously            collected data in order to introduce improvements in relevant practices. 

● This type of research is feasible for the participants, thus having the collaboration of several people        with the same purpose. 

● Such research focuses on specific situations

Main uses of the method/technique 

Action research is the indicated methodology when the researcher not only wants to know a certain reality or a specific problem of a group, but also wants to solve it. In this case, the investigated subjects participate as co-investigators in all phases of the process: approach to the problem, collection of information, interpretation of the same, planning and execution of the specific action to solve the problem, subsequent evaluation of what has been done, etc. The main purpose of these investigations is not something exogenous to them, but is oriented towards the awareness, development and emancipation of the groups studied and towards the solution of their problems. 

Advantages and disadvantages of using the method/technique 

Advantages: 

★ Action research is highly adaptable, allowing researchers to mold their analysis to their individual           needs and implement practical individual-level changes. 

★ Action research provides an immediate and actionable path forward for solving entrenched issues,          rather than suggesting complicated, longer-term solutions rooted in complex data. 

★ Done correctly, action research can be very empowering, informing social change and allowing              participants to effect that change in ways meaningful to their communities. 

Disadvantages 

❖ Due to their flexibility, action research studies are plagued by very limited generalizability and are        very difficult to replicate. They are often not considered theoretically rigorous due to the power the         researcher holds in drawing conclusions. 

❖ Action research can be complicated to structure in an ethical manner. Participants may feel                       pressured     to participate or to participate in a certain way. 

❖ Action research is at high risk for research biases such as selection bias, social desirability bias, or          other types of cognitive biases.