Action Research differs from traditional research in two important way
- It is not an add-on activity. It is embedded in the regular ongoing work of the class.
- It makes the complete cycle from formulating relevant questions to making changes in the practice of teaching.
|
Traditional Research |
Action Research |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose |
To draw conclusions. Focus is on advancing knowledge in the field. Insights may be generalized to other settings. |
To make decisions. Focus is on the improvement of educational practice. Limited generalizability. |
|
Context |
Theory: Hypotheses/research questions derive from more general theoretical propositions. |
Practice: Research questions derive from practice. Theory plays secondary role. |
|
Data Analysis |
Rigorous statistical analysis. |
Focus on practical, not statistical significance. |
|
Sampling |
Random or representative sample. |
Students with whom they work. |
Adapted from: Mc Millan, J. H. & Wergin. J. F. (1998). "Understanding and Evaluating Educational Research."