Action Research Essentials [Paperback]

Action Research Essentials is a practical guide born of the author's own experience working with students in the social sciences and education, providing a step-by-step outline of how to do action research--backed by the most extensive theory and research coverage on the market today. The author guides future researcher/practitioners through the action research process via numerous concrete illustrations and a wealth of on-line resources; positioning it as a fundamental component of practice,

A key and unique strength of the book is its outreach to a much larger breadth of students than usually found in action research books. This book will illustrate all the steps in action research using examples from education, social work, psychology, sociology, nursing, medicine, and counseling.



The structure of the book is intended as the sole textbook for a course devoted to naturalistic inquiry, practitioner research, or beginning qualitative methods, or can complement a general research course.

Figures, Tables, & Exhibits xi

Preface xv

The Author xxi

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TO ACTION RESEARCH 1

Introduction 2

What Is Action Research? 2

Action Research: Some Definitions 4

Why Engage in Action Research? 6

Steps in the Process 10

Phases of an Action Research Study 14

What Are Data? 18

When Is Action Research the Appropriate Choice? 21

How Can the Process Effect Change? 24

The Ethical Researcher 25

Summary 26

Key Terms 27

Discussion Questions 27

Suggested Topics 27

Online Activities 28

CHAPTER TWO: THElL