Knowledge produced is generalizable.
Research findings are applied to practice.
Neutral observers.
Commonly distant from those they study
Leave the research setting once the data
have been collected.
Researchers are detached spectators.
Has no role apart from completing the
questionnaires.
Passive objects of study.
Review of previous researches.
Arise from independent researchers who
wish to gain understanding of the specific
context that they are studying.
Only one complete movement
Theory to observations of practice to
research findings and back again to theory.
Random or representative sampling.
Tend to favour quantitative research
methods
Questionnaires, surveys, experiments.
Research Objectives Knowledge is to apply to local situation.
The relationship between theory and practice is
interactive, dynamic and forever changing.
Action researchers and the researched could be
the same people.
Propose that familiarity creates opportunities
Researchers for insight.
TRADITIONAL ACTION They are familiar and close to the research
RESEARCH RESEARCH setting.
(FORMAL)
Research Participants Active and even proactive in determining their
practice and the research.
Research Problems Problems currently faced.
Research Questions Practitioners ask questions based on the needs
of those who they work closely with.
Research Process A spiral movement
Repeat numerous occasions and encourages a
closer examination of the relationship and
differences between theory and practice.
Sampling Approach Students or clients with whom they worked.
Purposive, snowball sampling.
Research Design Inclined more towards qualitative methods
Methodological triangulation
Data Collection Methods Observation, semi-structured interviews.
 Evaluate and pre-test measures.
Statistical tests
Occurs after data are collected
Emphasis on theoretical significance.
Increased knowledge about teaching and
learning in general.
TRADITIONAL
Reliable- using statistical tests to be
RESEARCH
assured that their tools (questionnaires
(FORMAL)
and structured interviews and observation
schedules) measure consistently
Valid- research is about the phenomena of
interest and not as a result of other
factors including researcher bias.
Published report, journal article, and
professional conference.
Measurement Procedures Convenient measures or standardized tests.
Data Analysis Focus on practical, not statistical significance,
present raw data, graphs
Analysis ran concurrently with data collection.
Application of Results Emphasis on practical significance.
Improved teaching and learning in a particular
classroom.
ACTION
Be reflexive (that is, they should explain how
RESEARCH
researchers influenced the research process)
Highlight tensions or contradictions
Demonstrate a sense of responsibility
Reliability and Validity Discuss how data collection and analysis were
conducted
Manage to bring the situation to life' while
discussing theoretical and professional themes.
Reporting Outcome Informal sharing with colleagues, brief report,
conferences.