Differences between Action/ Qualitative Research and Traditional/Quantitative Research - Assignment Example

Action research refers to the procedure used by practitioners in finding solutions through various steps of solving problems with the aim of addressing issues and improving practices. This procedure involves activity, as opposed to theoretical methods. It is also referred to as participatory research, cooperative inquiry, or community-based research. Traditional research, on the other hand, refers to a qualitative display of research where research results are presented in the form of statistical data.

It makes use of a randomly selected larger study population that makes a sample representation of the entire population. Qualitative research and quantitative research are efficient in different ways as they are employed in different situations. During the process of action research, careful observations and collection of data which enable researchers to make decisions that are effective in their area of expertise. For instance, in cases where the research is based on classroom performance, a teacher may focus on the methods, intentions, and expected outcomes of his or her classroom.

Action research mainly deals with precise issues that a practitioner is accustomed to, like issues with schooling, or work colleagues. Action research does not use random selection for its participants; instead, it makes use of individuals (like colleagues and students) the practitioners deal with from day today. As a result, there is communication, both open and closed, between the researcher and the individuals forming the study participants. This requires that the researcher devotes his or her attention to the ethical aspects of the whole procedure.

This forms the major difference between action research and traditional and other types of research. After data collection, it is analyzed; making sure that the study appears flexible, continuous, and evolves constantly. Quantitative data, on the other hand, does not provide an in-depth analysis of the research as it focuses solely on the statistical data. This data is acquired mainly through structured procedures like the use of special tools and instruments for the collection. The final report in quantitative research is statistical, including statistical methods of analysis like means and medians.

An example of a situation that utilizes quantitative research is the national census, which involves statistical data on the total population of citizens in a state. Another application is in the market research when researchers conduct research to establish the population effects of their customers. This is done so that they can strategize their plans to maximize profits. This portrays quantitative research as mostly dependant on testing of theories, either to prove them right or wrong. The cyclic process of the action research process involves observations on the researched phenomena, like a teacher observing the performance of students in his or her class.

After observations, there is a reflection on the observed phenomena, for instance, the teacher looks at the students’ performances and identify the possible reasons to explain those performances. After this, the teacher can devise a suitable plan that can make the students improve their results. In case this plan fails to improve the students’ performances, then the action research can be repeated so that a different plan can be executed. It also performs an assessment of the chosen course of action.

In action research, there is a continuous learning process whereby the researcher also learns the new information generated from the study, sharing it with the participants.