Action Research In Health - 04 edition

Summary: Core text for courses in Action Research; supplement for Educational Research courses.

Informed by the authors' years of field research, teaching, and consulting, this readable, accessible new volume will assist novice researchers to understand qualitative, action research. The authors first define action research and clarifies its nature, providing a clear description of the relationship between qualitative and quantitative research. They then offer step-b ...show morey-step procedures for planning, implementing, and evaluating the kind of research projects that help people use their own understanding and expertise to work systematically through a data gathering process, and, ultimately, find a solution to the problem they are investigating. Up-to-date coverage based on the work of earlier researchers clearly delineates the place of action research in the current research methodology scene; and speaks directly to the needs of those involved on a daily basis in health care settings.

Features :

• Chapter 3, Initiating a Study: Research Design --Addresses design, ethics, and validity.
• Introduces students to the human dimension of action research--examines sampling, informed consent, permissions, credibility, the index of engagement (excitement, interest, apathy, resistance), and other factors.
• Chapter 4, Gathering Data: Sources of Information --Details the specifics of interviewing, observation, and surveys.
• Familiarizes future researchers with techniques of information gathering from a variety of sources--interviews, surveys, records, artifacts, and others.
• Discussion of the relationship between action research and common healthcare practices.
• Illustrates the link between research and everyday healthcare--helps students appreciate the contribution research can make to healthcare practice.
• A full chapter of case studies--The final chapter in the text.
• Provides a wealth of opportunities for readers to engage their understanding of text material.
• Numerous examples of action research--Throughout the material.
• Shows text-proposed techniques as they happen in the healthcare arena--documenting what works and what doesn't, and helping students understand "why."
• An opening framework--In every chapter.
• Places specific chapter content within the larger context of the research process--making subsequent material more relevant and easier to understand.
• Information on Web sites related to action research--Where appropriate throughout the material.
• Offers readers resources for information on action research--serves as a springboard for in-class discussions, homework assignments, and individual research projects.

Edition/Copyright: 04
Cover: Paperback
Publisher: Merrill Education/Prentice Hall
Published: 10/09/2003

View Author Bio

Stringer, Ernie : Curtin University of Technology, Australia

Genat, William J. : University of Western Australia

View Table of Contents

1. The Purposes of Action Research.
2. Understanding Action Research: Paradigms and Methods.
3. Initiating a Study: Research Design.
4. Gathering Data: Sources of Information.
5. Giving Voice: Data Analysis in Interpretive Research.
6. Representation: Communicating Research Outcomes.
7. Taking Action: Passion, Purpose, and Pathways.
8. Action Research in Health: Case Studies.
9. Online Resources.

Related materials for Action Research In Health »