Action research is a method of seeking new knowledge by using scientific processes. Its main objectives are to explain, predict, and control various phenomena in both science and social sciences. Action research aims to apply the research findings to develop and improve organizational performance to achieve maximum efficiency and effectiveness. It focuses on applying the knowledge and technology gained from research studies rather than primarily creating and developing new knowledge Objectives of action research is used for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. It can analyze the problematic conditions that cause the failure of a task. The key characteristics of action research can be summarized as follows:
- It is a method to improve operations and bring about change.
- It is research that involves the researcher actively participating in the activities being carried out, in order to improve the work being performed.
- It is conducted through the steps of planning, implementation, observation, reflection, and then cycling back to repeat the process.
Characteristics of action research
- It is participatory and collaborative research; therefore, all researchers play an important and equal role in every stage of the research process.
- It emphasizes action and the study of outcomes in order to foster development.
- It allows for in-depth analysis, leading to well-reasoned decision-making and effective application in practice.
- It can be used to develop practical work models that lead to satisfactory outcomes.
The process of conducting action research
- Planning: It likes establishing a course of action in advance. Based on anticipating the potential outcomes that may result from following the planned course of action, along with considering past events or experiences. They are related to the issue being studied. The planning must take flexibility into account and allow for adjustments to fit future circumstances.
- Implementation: It involves carefully carrying out the operations according to the predetermined plan and controlling the execution to ensure it follows the established plan. The predetermined plan may change according to the conditions and constraints of the situation
- Observation: It is the collection of data regarding the processes and outcomes resulting from the implementation. It is including observing supporting factors and obstacles encountered during the implementation of the planned actions as well as any problems that arise during the implementation of the plan, describing their nature. Good observation requires advance planning without overly restrictive boundaries, so that it can serve as a guideline for reflecting on the processes and performance outcomes.
- Reflection: It is providing feedback on actions based on data recorded from critical observations of the processes and outcomes of the operations as planned, including analysis of supporting factors, obstacles to development, and issues that arise, to determine whether they align with the objectives.
Types of Action Research
- Technique-Based Action Research:
The research is conducted by individuals or groups with extensive experience, or enhanced both the efficiency and effectiveness of their work, with a direct focus on the research outcomes. At the same time, the action researcher serves as a facilitator who promotes participation in the process of research improvement. It allows for verifying accuracy and making actions more precise. It can be examined from theory, leading to specific practical applications, or simply put, translating theory into practice.
- Action research arising from practical experience:
The researcher in the role of a practitioner is conducted with stakeholders. They collaboratively define the problem, or leading to the trial of various methods in order to bring about change or improve the problem definition after the discussion between the researcher and the practitioners. It seeks alternative approaches for improvement, with work being carried out based primarily on the intelligence of the practitioners, and with the main objective of the research being to understand work practices and solve immediate problems, support professional development, and create positive outcomes for both practitioners and stakeholders.
- Participatory Action Research:
This type of research promotes participation among practitioners, with each individual contributing their abilities and sense of responsibility to drive organizational change. It has two main objectives
– To achieve the closest possible alignment between the problems that arise and the theories used to explain and solve them.
– To enable practitioners to identify and extract the underlying data of the problem by utilizing their own inherent capabilities.
Steps of Action Research
- Identifying the problem to be studied: studying the details of the problem thoroughly and clearly, seeking relevant principles and theories.
- Selecting significant problems that are appropriate for study and research: using principles and theories to analyze the characteristics of the problem by creating an objective message and Research hypotheses message that demonstrates the significance of the problem, principles and related theories.
- Selection of research instruments: That can provide answers to the problem according to the stated hypotheses, with the tools consisting of two types such as instruments used for experimentation and instruments used for data collection.
- Detailed recording of events: Recording in a point-by-point manner to be used for improving the cycle in the next iteration of practice, and to be able to collect data for analyzing the results of the hypotheses.
- Analyze the relationships in various aspects of the collected data: The most of the date are a qualitative data that can be allowing for accurate verification of details and confidence in the accuracy.
- Verify the data with the research team: Collaborated to review, to conclude answers, to identify the causes, and to find the solutions.
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