‘In action research, researchers do research on themselves. Empirical researchers enquire into other people’s lives. Action researchers enquire into their own. Action research is an enquiry conducted by the self into the self’. McNiff (2021).
When diving into the initial steps in my SIP project, I started to reflect on the term ‘action research’. Through discussion in our SIP lectures and insights from reading of academic sources, I began to formulate my understanding of what it is, the principles of the concept, and how it is carried out.
Key learnings about action research:
- Reflection on personal practice
- ‘Action research is an enquiry conducted by the self into the self’ Jean McNiff (2021)
- Intent to learn more about an issue within a particular setting
- Incremental for self-evaluation and self-change
- Is cyclical and the process is constantly refined and adapted, therefore an infinite process
- Research cycle: Problem > Question > Methodology > Outcome (insight=implication/recommendation led vs. solution-led)
- Ethics driven – ethical approach underpinning the research process
Link to padlet from discussion in lecture: https://artslondon.padlet.org/ncurrant/ARcharacteristics
I like the research action plan developed by Jack Whitehead (1996)(excerpt from Jean McNiff) which helped me contextualise the process, so I consider almost to be a framework for action research, although I don’t consider this to be prescriptive:
| What issue am I interested in researching? |
| Why do I want to research this issue? |
| What kind of evidence can I gather to show why I am interested in this issue? What can I do? What will I do? |
| What kind of evidence can I gather to show that I am having an influence? |
| How can I explain that influence? |
| How can I ensure that any judgements I might make are reasonably fair and accurate? |
| How will I change my practice in the light of my evaluation? |
Key References:
- Bradbury, H. (ed.) (2015) The SAGE handbook of action research [electronic resource], Los Angeles: SAGE.
https://methods-sagepub-com.arts.idm.oclc.org/book/the-SAGE-handbook-of-action-research-3e - McNiff, J. (2021) ‘Action Research for Professional Development’ [electronic resource]. https://www.jeanmcniff.com/ar-booklet.asp
- Mpofu, S. Jean McNiff, Pamela Lomax and Jack Whitehead. 1996. You and Your Action Research Project. International Review of Education 44, 122 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003083314762
- Project Bell, J. (2010) Doing your research project: A guide for first-time researchers in education, health and social science. Maidenhead: Open University Press.