Methodology in practice

From Dar

Distributed Action Research aims to implement an Action Research methodology in a distributed setting.

This means taking constant care to make sure the methods being employed fit in with that methodology, and do not drift towards other methodologies such as evaluation or case study.

In other words it is desirable to

• collect plenty of rich qualitative data
• seek more collaboration involving others.
• use iterative cycles, with findings from one cycle feeding back into the next
• use all of the above to improve the practice of the research itself, as well as the subject of the research.

As explained here:

"Having completed 2 cycles of research I am now appreciating the advantage of using an emergent and iterative approach to the methodology itself. By starting with a plan which is loose and flexible, as I learn more about Action research methodology and the practical implications for my own reserach, I can refine each of the small cycles in turn so that they approach further and further towards my own understanding of how action research should ideally be conducted."