Assessment Description
Action research is a dynamic and iterative process that plays a pivotal role in improving practices and addressing real-world problems in various fields, such as education, healthcare, and business. It serves as the foundation for continuous improvement, innovation, and evidence-based decision-making. By conducting research within their own context, professionals can tailor solutions that are practical and effective. Action research typically follows a cycle that includes identifying a problem, planning, and implementing interventions, collecting and analyzing data, and reflecting on results.
During this course, you will plan an action research study. According to the text, successful action research follows a standard four-stage process:
- Clarifying vision and targets
- Articulating theory
- Collecting data and implementing action
- Reflecting on data and planning informed action
This assignment will provide a foundation for understanding the research process used throughout the course. You will complete a research proposal that includes Stages 1 and 2 of the research process and develop a plan for Stages 3 and 4. You will not collect data or recruit participants. This course is designed to plan a proposal for a study that could be implemented in your current or future professional setting.
Select two areas of interest in your professional setting that need to be addressed (e.g., a teacher may consider reading comprehension and social-emotional learning, an employee at a corporation may consider best practices for a hybrid work environment and work-from-home policies.). Identify one specific topic or focus for each area to investigate.
Complete a 150-250 word rationale for each area of research and include the following:
- Why you selected the two areas of research (e.g., reading comprehension and social-emotional learning)
- A specific topic or focus to investigate for each area of research (e.g., the effects of student engagement on reading comprehension, the effects of parental involvement on social-emotional learning)
- What methodology do you think will work best for your research (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods) and what instruments/tools you could use to gather data
- How your research will contribute to improved efficiencies and outcomes in your current or future professional setting
In addition, write a 150-250 word summary of the four stages of the action research process, including a definition of the theory of action.
Support your work with 3-5 scholarly resources.
While APA Style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.A link to the LopesWrite Technical Support Articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
