Action Research

by Ernest T. Stringer, Alfredo Ortiz Aragón

Action Research is an invaluable guide to both novice and experienced researchers from a diversity of disciplines, backgrounds, and levels of study for understanding how action research works in real-life contexts. The Fifth Edition builds on the experiences of the authors by acknowledging the dramatic changes taking place in our everyday lives, including developments of social and digital media that have become central to modern life. Author Ernest T. Stringer and new co-author Alfredo Ortiz Aragón aim to provide a meaningful methodology arising from their extensive field experience for both students and practitioners.  Presenting research that produces practical, effective, and sustainable outcomes to real-world problems, Action Research helps students see the value of their research in a broader context, beyond academia, to effecting change on a larger scale.

Additional resources can be found at the authors’ website  .

Genres: Research, Nonfiction, Business, Education, Reference, Science, Textbooks

408 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Andi M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A useful guide to action research. I especially appreciated the frequent, real-world examples of action resarch...in action (couldn't help myself).

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. What I thought was going to be a dry research textbooks turned out to be inspiring. From the first pages the author held my interest in showing how to work with people to solve problems As I prepare to begin a research project this book offered valuable insights, direction and reminders. Much of what needs to happen in action research, " a systematic approach to investigation that enables people to find effective solutions to problems they confront in their everyday lives", is the exact same thing that needs to happen as one works through situations in any cross-cultural situation.

Favorite quotes: "When we engage in action research, we are often placed in situations where we need to be pulling people from the water and working upstream at the same time. It is important, however, that we go to the source of the problem rather than do nothing but cope constantly with its outcomes."

And then this one talking about the situation in Austrailia working with Aborigines:

"There are times when we need to confront those issues [injustices] directly and forcefully. When I consider the strength and integrity of my Aboriginal colleagues and friends and the vitality of their family lives, however, I see a broader reality that goes far beyond this vision of Aboriginal as victim. I don’t want to diminish their human potential by constantly highlighting their oppression or portraying them as victims. The words that my Aboriginal colleagues use to speak of their experience provide a vision of familial, cultural, and spiritual strength that is a much more powerful basis for action. I would rather build from that strength than struggle through a perspective based on weakness."

An extra treat was that the author referred to East Timor all through out the book. This country has become a special place in my heart.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm struggling still (after reading this book) to distinguish "action research" from a participatory (and/or empowerment) evaluation emphasizing qualitative methodologies. I had assumed (based on the name) that action research was research (and/or evaluation) in which the researcher/evaluator and practitioner were one and the same. But this did not present that scenario (at least not clearly) which is disappointing as an ever-increasing emphasis on the utility of evaluations pushes the evaluator closer to the role of practitioner and vice versa.

[Rob O'Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Amazing" is not exactly the word that I would use to describe this book because it is a research book and, therefore, naturally dull. However, it is an excellent guide for conducting community-based action research, and, therefore, deserves your attention if you are conducting academic or social research.

[Tee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great info. I think I’ll reread it at some point. I feel like a better researcher after consuming this info.

[Kimberly Soesbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read for my doctoral program, I found it a useful resource!

[Apeeters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stringer writes with passion and enthusiasm about ways to help people become better problem solvers. His approach to action research "Look, Think, Act" is a simple, but effective way of gathering information about the problem, analysing that information, and then formulating a plan of action based on that analysis. Good advice and useful procedures for anybody looking to improve the systems or societies they are working with.

[Melissa Lee-Tammeus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected to hate this book and I ended up carrying it everywhere with me while doing a work project. This book helped me focus on true real life research with researcher involvement. I am still using it and the class is over. If you are going to be working with the community, doing research, or wondering how to get involved in the most productive way possible this is a must have.

[Marc · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I did appreciate the theory and philosophy section of the book, I felt that the process section (the bulk of the book) was far too long and drawn out. Likely my perception of the book was tainted given that it was "required reading."

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book for the basics great book if you are looking for guidance on how to put together an action research proposal.

[Ana Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excelente libro de investigación-acción... muy práctico y aplicable.

[Helen Perks · Rating 5 out of 5]

great general ref for action research. Good models for setting up studies, writing reports