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Action Research
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Action Research
Living Theory


Other Titles in:
Qualitative Research

March 2006 | 192 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
In Action Research: Living Theory, Jean McNiff and Jack Whitehead set out their vision for action research in the 21st Century.

This is a passionate, and compelling book, that defines the philosophy behind action research and the process of doing action research for all those interested in this fast growing area. It sets in place the foundations of action research as a discipline, and roots action research as a compassionate , ethical and politically-engaged form of enquiry.

McNiff and Whitehead's book will be essential reading for all those with an interest in Action Research.

 
PART ONE: BACKGROUNDS AND CONTEXTS
 
Background to Our Research: Reasons and Purposes
What Are Our Concerns?

 
 
Contexts of Our Research
Why Are We Concerned?

 
 
Looking for Data
What Experiences Can We Describe to Show Why We Are Concerned?

 
 
PART TWO: GATHERING DATA AND GENERATING EVIDENCE
 
Monitoring Practice and Gathering Data
What Kind of Data Will We Gather to Show the Situation as It Unfolds

 
 
Interpreting Data and Generating Evidence in Relation to Living Critical Standards of Judgement
How Do We Explain Our Educational Influences in Learning?

 
 
PART THREE: ESTABLISHING VALIDITY AND LEGITIMACY
 
Validity, Legitimacy and Moral Authority
How Do We Show that Any Conclusions We Come To Are Reasonably Fair and Accurate?

 
 
The Potential Significance of Our Research
How Do We Show the Potential Significance of Our Research?

 
 
PART FOUR: IMPLICATIONS, EVALUATIONS AND DISSEMINATION
 
Case Studies
How Do We Show the Implications of Our Research?

 
 
Evaluating the Account of Our Research
How Do We Evaluate the Evidence-Based Account of Our Learning?

 
 
PART FIVE: TESTING OUR CLAIMS TO EDUCATIONAL KNOWLEDGE
 
Into New Research
How Do We Modify Our Concerns, Ideas and Practices in the Light of Our Evaluations?

 

A leading text in its field which articulates well the key epistemological basis of this type of research - the impact of the 'reflexive-self' on the process and outcomes of research. Not only does this act to counter longstanding critique about the 'observer stance' of more traditional research approaches, it also tells you how to go about designing research of a more emancipatory nature. Dr Alyson Nicholds, Senior Lecturer, Middlesex University Business School, London.

Dr Alyson Nicholds
Leadership, Work and Organisations, Middlesex University
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This may be seen as an intro book. One of its main strengths are the case studies/examples that the authors refer to thereby providing useful perspectives that readers may relate to.

Dr Chahid Fourali
London Metropolitan Business School, London Metropolitan Uni (City Campus)
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This is an excellent guide to those professional doctorate candidates who are dealing with qualitative research. Remarkably approachable and lucid text.

Dr Mehmet Ali Dikerdem
Interdiscipline , Middlesex University
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Excellent text. Very useful discussion on role of the researcher.

Miss Tracey Barnfather
Midwifery Division, Northampton University
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An excellent book for all students from level 3 up to post graduates interested in or about to embark on action research. It is well written and is based on action research that was conducted by the authors, so has a fluid feel to it throughout. It offers many examples to help the reader understand the issues and decisions that have to be made throughout the cycles. All in all, a very good resource for all researchers.

Mr Shane Payne
Engineering, Leicester College
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I do not think that social work practitioners will have the time to read the book in any depth.

Mrs Beverley Murray
Dept of Health,Wellbeing & the family, Canterbury Christ Church University
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Helpful and easy to use.
The questions really help you think and the case studies support understanding.

Mrs Dawn Burnham
Dept Of Applied Health Sciences, Farnborough College of Technology
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very useful

Mrs Jane Peacock
Faculty of Education, Winchester Univ.
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An excellent resource to have available especially in QCF qualifications where research and evidence based practice is such an important theme.

Mrs Louise Henry
Health and Social Care, nwrc
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Essential reading for students considering action research approach.

Mrs Lynn Swift
Sch of Health,Community & Educ Studies, Northumbria University
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Sample Materials & Chapters

Pdf file of chapter 1

Pdf file of chapter 2


For instructors

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Paperback
ISBN: 9781412908559
£56.99

Hardcover
ISBN: 9781412908542
£166.00

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