Action Research Method

Action Research as a Research Method

Abstract: In qualitative research methods, Delphi technique is one of the most popular method among the researchers. This technique can be conducted virtually among a group of experts, discussing on certain topics or issues. The data collection method used by the researchers are including email, phone call, post, faxes, personal interview and others. Important features of this technique are anonymity, iteration, controlled feedback, statistical group response, reliability and validity. Delphi technique initially starts by identifying the participants followed by assessing the willingness of participants to involve in the study, developing questionnaire, distributing, ranking, analysing and summarising.

That definition states that action research is a disciplined process of inquiry conducted by and for those taking the action. The primary reason for engaging in action research is to assist the “actor” in improving and/or refining his or her actions. Practitioners who engage in action research inevitably find it to be an empowering experience. Action research has this positive effect for many reasons. Obviously, the most important is that action research is always relevant to the participants. Relevance is guaranteed because the focus of each research project is determined by the researchers, who are also the primary consumers of the findings.Perhaps even more important is the fact that action research helps educators be more effective at what they care most about their teaching and the development of their students. Seeing students grow is probably the greatest joy educators can experience. When teachers have convincing evidence that their work has made a real difference in their students ' lives, the countless hours and endless efforts of teaching seem

Expert, people who work as agents of change, can use it as part of their normal activities. Mainstream research paradigms in some field situations can be more difficult to use. There is evidence, for instance from Barlow, Hayes and Nelson (1984), that most US practitioners do very little research, and don’t even read all that much. Martin (1989) presents similar evidence for Australian and English psychologists. Its might because of they don’t find the research methods they have been taught can be integrated easily enough with their practice. Action research offers such people a chance to make more use of their practice as a research opportunity. When practitioners use action research it has the potential to increase the amount they learn consciously from their experience. The action research cycle can also be regarded as a learning cycle (Mcmahon, 1999). The educator Schön (1983, 1987) argues strongly that systematic reflection is an effective way for practitioners to learn. Action research is usually participative. This implies a partnership between you and your clients. You may find this more ethically satisfying. For some purposes it may also be more occupationally