Computer Science 494: Research Methods

Study Guide

Unit 10: Action Research

This unit contains the following sections:

• 10.1 Preface
• 10.2 Learning Outcomes
• 10.3 Introduction to Action Research
• 10.4 References

10.1 Preface

Action research investigates interactions of participants to estimate the effectiveness of the interactions. In contrast to most forms of research, action research is aimed at a local situation. Participants of action research are selected from the local population (e.g., students of a class, colleagues in an organization, etc.) with whom the researcher has ties. In action research, there is less emphasis on control of the situation or elimination of sources of error. Bias is inherently there, since the researcher is associated with the population.

In action research, data is typically collected by observations, preferably longitudinally. One could use computational means to observe surreptitiously, but one would need permission from the participants, of course. The results of action research can be analysed with descriptive statistics.

We anticipate that you will need about 6 hours (360 minutes) to complete this unit.

10.2 Learning Objectives

After completing Unit 10, you should be able to

• explain the fundamental principles of action research.
• conduct action research.

10.3 Introduction to Action Research

This reading provides an extensive introduction to action research.

Assignment 2

Review Assignment 2 on the course home page, and do whatever you can at this point.

10.4 References