The Action Research Methodology Candy Store by Professor Mary Brydon Miller

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to Action Research methodologies as presented in Professor Mary Brydon Miller's workshop. Whether you are new to Action Research or looking to enhance your existing practice, this guide will help you engage with community partners and generate valuable insights. We will cover the basics of Action Research, explore innovative methodologies, and discuss quality criteria for your projects.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Action Research

• Define Action Research as a reflective practice that combines action (change) and research (understanding).
• Identify key characteristics:
  • Collaborative process involving stakeholders.
  • Focused on solving real-world problems.
  • Iterative cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.

Practical Advice

• Familiarize yourself with foundational literature on Action Research.
• Consider your specific context and community needs.

Step 2: Engage Community Partners

• Identify potential community partners relevant to your research topic.
• Establish mutual trust and respect to foster collaboration.
• Involve partners in the research process to ensure their voices are heard.

Practical Advice

• Schedule initial meetings to discuss interests and goals.
• Use participatory methods to keep partners engaged.

Step 3: Explore Innovative Action Research Methodologies

• Review various methodologies that can be adapted to your project:
  • Participatory Action Research (PAR)
  • Collaborative Inquiry
  • Appreciative Inquiry

Practical Advice

• Choose a methodology based on the specific needs of your project and community partners.
• Be open to combining elements from different methodologies for a tailored approach.

Step 4: Establish Quality Criteria for Your Action Research Project

• Define what quality means in the context of your research:
  • Credibility: The findings should be believable and trustworthy.
  • Transferability: Results should be applicable in similar contexts.
  • Dependability: The research process should be consistent and repeatable.

Practical Advice

• Develop a framework to evaluate your project against these criteria throughout its lifecycle.
• Seek feedback from peers and community partners to enhance credibility.

Step 5: Decide on Methodologies for Different AR Projects

• Assess the nature of your project to determine appropriate methodologies:
  • For exploratory projects, consider qualitative methods.
  • For projects requiring measurable outcomes, quantitative methods may be more suitable.

Practical Advice

• Create a decision matrix to weigh the pros and cons of different methodologies based on your project's objectives.

Conclusion

This tutorial has outlined the essential steps in engaging with Action Research methodologies. By understanding the basics, involving community partners, exploring innovative methodologies, establishing quality criteria, and selecting appropriate methodologies, you will be better equipped to conduct meaningful Action Research. As you move forward, consider continuing to engage with literature and workshops to stay updated on best practices and new developments in the field.