Action Research as Social Research - Essay Example

The sequence of steps includes “once the scenario is studied: a corrective plan is determined, planned and implemented; results of the action are observed and recorded, and the action is assessed as effective or not” (Cooper & Schlinder, 2011). , cases using action research and opportunities opened because of action research.
Foundations of Action Research:
Stephens, J., Barton, J., & Haslett, T. (2009). Action Research: Its History and Relationship to Scientific Methodology. Systemic Practice & Action Research, 22(6), 463-474. doi:10.1007/s11213-009-9147-7

As has been discussed briefly in the introduction, action research is a method of research that seeks to address practical problems. In such a way, it oftentimes deviates from the standard approach in which the scientific method seeks to identify an issue, theorize with regards to a solution, and/or measure whether or not such a theory is relevant and pertinent. Ultimately, this key level of deviation is one of the core compliments of why action research came to be born out of the already working processes of the scientific method. Stevens et al. (2009) in their piece entitled “Action Research: Its History and Relationship to Scientific Methodology” discuss the fact that action research, although ultimately useful in helping to provide a level of interpretive inquiry into many processes, holds a distinct level of difficulty as compared to the scientific method. The authors indicate that these drawbacks are concentric around whether or not the idea is more driven from the researcher’s agenda or more driven from the participants; whether or not individuals are motivated by an instrumental goal of whether or not a narrow level of focus skews the research results with regards to applying it to a larger test group or situation. Naturally, this is not to say that action research is inherently flawed; rather, it merely denotes the fact that it holds a level of benefit as well as a level of difficulties as compared to traditional scientific methodological research.

Boog, B. M. (2003). The emancipatory character of action research, its history, and the present state of the art. Journal Of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 13(6), 426-438.
Many researchers have underscored the fact that from the very beginning action research has been intended to be an emancipatory style. Compared to traditional scientific methodological research, action research is something of a free-form and evolutionary style that allows participants to engage in a double-sided process of research. Moreover, due to the fact that the relationship between the researcher and the subjects is so critical with regards to developing a key level of inference and/or determinacy, Boog (2003) notes that the evolving character of action research demands a high level of emphasis be placed upon the approach with which the researcher engages the participants.