Neuman, W.L. (2006). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantiative Approaches. Toronto: Pearson.

b. core characteristics or distinguishing features of research studies found within this genre

Page 28: Action Research - Applied research in which the primary goal is to facilitate social change or bring about a value-oriented political-social goal.

- applied research- treats knowledge as a form of power- abolishes the line between research and social action

Most common characteristics of AR:● those that are being studied participate in research process● research incorporates popular knowledge● research focuses on power with a goal of empowerment● research seeks to raise consciousness or increase awareness● research is tied directly to political action

Action researchers try to:● equalize power relations between themselves and research subjects● avoid having more control, status, and authority than those they study● advance a cause or improve conditions by expanding public awareness● explicitly political● publishing in formal reports, articles, books becomes secondary to improving

conditions/lives● assume that knowledge develops from experience, particularly the experience of

sociopolitical action.● assume ordinary people can become aware of conditions and learn to take actions that

can bring about improvement● assist and provide expertise that guides participants in the study design, data-gathering,

and data analysis/interpretation stages. ● balance upholding professional standards with adapting to local conditions, involving

participants and addressing their concerns.

Participants:● assume an active role in formulating, designing, and carrying out the research.● researchers and participants co-generate knowledge in collaborative processes that

continuously incorporate the diverse experiences of local groups

f. case examples that illustrate from research reports how the methodology is applied in research practice

Examples:1) feminist researcher studying sexual harassment might recommend policy changes to reduce it as well as to inform potential victims so they can protect themselves2) AR used to preserve a town that was to be destroyed by dam project. ARer worked with union officials to redesign work to prevent layoffs. 3) impoverished nations, ARers work among illiterate to teach literacy, study local conditions, and spread awareness of conditions to attempt to improve them

d. major personalities in the construction of the current field of inquiry

People:1) Randy Stoeker (1999) argued the ultimate goal of PAR is to democratize the knowledge-creation process, reveal injustices, highlight the centrality of social conflict, and emphasize the importance of engaging in collective action to alter social structures. He discovered that study success requires research to be community initiated and have substantial community control. He found that grassroots participants often fear that professional researchers will use findings only to enhance their own careers.

Points that were missing:a. historical/philosophical/theoretical background - the discourses of the methodological fieldc. methodological variations that occur within the broad methodological perspectivee. typical methods and techniques that characterize the genreg. tensions and contradictions within the field (across perspectives)h. critiques of this methodological genre both from inside and outside the fieldi. key references - ‘ten best’j. file collection of the core readings that served as basis of presentation