Action Research and The Grounded Theory

Research paradigms provide major philosophical implications in the field of empirical studies in both the natural and social sciences. (Tracy, 2012) This research paper focuses on the epistemological analysis of Action research and the grounded theory pointing out the methodology used in research and defining their dimensions and borders.

Action research

Historically action research can be backtracked to1937 before the beginning of world war I.  Kurt Lewin is the pioneer of the action research. It began as a bridge between scholarly theories and their application in real life. It focuses on applying theories developed in social sciences and evaluating them through the use of experimental methods.

Action research is a research paradigm that employs a democratic approach that reflects on and taking action towards improving the human environment through improving personal practice and humanistic development. (Maruster, 2013) Participatory action research focusses on working so as to improve personal skills and the human environment by embracing group participation. Action research provides a rich, dynamic, situation based and participatory experience, improving its application. (Chevalier & Buckles, 2013)

Methodology for action research 

Problem formulation-The researcher searches for common patterns and features that affect a particular subject and develops a research question relating to the particular problem (Blessing & Chakrabarti, 2009)

Review of related literature- Literature review is conducted to see previous solutions to the problem, and to deepen the theoretical point of understanding on the particular problem.

Data collection- The various methods of data collection are applied. Use of open-ended questionnaires, interviews, surveys, observations, recording of audio and visual tapes, focus groups and photographs. (Oisen, 2011)Data collection is most appropriately done by a group of people so as to cover a wider scope of the area of study and to come up with a more precise analysis. Data collected for in action research is usually qualitative. (Bradbury, 2008)

Data analysis- This helps the researcher to figure out the problem in extensive reference to data gathered. data gathered by different groups is analyzed together so as to enable the researcher to come up with a more extensive analysis that encompasses the common themes shared by most of the parties.

Action planning- Data collected are shared among the parties and contributions are made regarding on the most appropriate take of action. Action planning involves brainstorming and high-level decision-making skills to come up with the most appropriate intervention.

Evaluation- Evaluation is the final stage where the impact of the interventions developed will be evaluated and accessed. The evaluation process deepens the understanding of why, how, and what was learned from the project. (Klein, 2012)

Grounded theory

This is a systemic research paradigm that provides a methodology involving the development of theories through methodical gathering and data analysis.  Grounded theory was developed by Anselm Strauss and Glaser Barney. They developed the theory in their research on dying hospital patient back in 1965. (Martin & Gynnild, 2011) The grounded theory scopes through diverse traditions in positivism, sociology, and symbolic interactionism. It applies a use of qualitative data in the analysis. Data is collected, reviewed and grouped into concepts and categories which  provide a basis for the establishment of a new theory. (Birks & Mills , 2010)

Research methodology.

Research question- The grounded theory requires a research question to provide a point of focus such as a particular phenomenon that needs to be investigated. The function of the research question is to identify the research but not to make any assumption about the research to be undertaken. The research question should be open-ended.

Data collection- Observations, interviews, focus groups, open-ended questionnaires, photographing, and taking videos. comprise the methods used in data collection in the grounded theory. (Oisen, 2011)

Data analysis- Data gathered is analyzed to come up with codes providing smaller units of descriptive categories. The analysis should not be ambiguous but extensive focusing deep into the minor details through coding of smaller portions of data. This facilitates a more effective grounding system capturing all the important details of categories. this coding system brings the researcher to the light to the particular ways in which categories are linked with one another allowing him to come up with a theory relating to the particular coding paradigm.

The researcher writes many memos throughout the project about events, cases, categories, or relationships between categories. Memos are used to stimulate and record the researcher’s developing thinking, including the comparisons made throughout the research.

Interpretation- This mainly involves the production of substantive theory. The results of the research are expressed as a set of related concepts producing a theory. The theory is solely dependent on concepts and is not permanent. (Urquhart, 2012)

 Managing the spread of HIV and AIDS

The number of new HIV and AIDS infections have been on the rise over the past few years. With the population age between 19- 30 indicating the highest number of new infections. This population mainly comprises of scholars in the tertiary levels that is universities and colleges. Data relating to the spread of HIV could be a lot to handle quantitative, and therefore a qualitative analysis system is required. To solve this situation, we need to come up with a comprehensive understanding of the problem and the interventions thereof.

Participatory action research provides an extensive and effective platform to generate an appropriate point of view on the problem at hand, come up with an action plan and to evaluate the after results after execution of the action plan. This could be possible through the extensive data collection due to well-laid systems and procedures, data analysis systems, and the physical participation in the evaluation allowing for firsthand information gathering which provides a good basis in action plan evaluation. This will provide a comprehensive basis for a future and wider plan on the management of HIV to the ministry of health. (Ivankova, 2014) (Willis & Edwards, 2014, p. 331)

Methods of data collection for this study include:

• Reference of previous data and literature material.
• Extensive interviews with scholars in tertiary education levels.
• Questionnaire administering.
• Peer group discussions on the research topic and brainstorming sessions regarding the subject.

Action research is fit for this case research because:

• It gives a systematic approach to the problem’s resolution. It applies a chronological approach that allows professional planning and implementation of interventions towards the betterment of the situation at hand. This paradigm takes account of the problem in a holistic manner.(Koshy, Waterman, & Koshy, 2010)
• It helps in issue analysis and development of appropriate interventions. This is achieved by conversion of information into action.
• Action research facilitates learning through referencing on previous experiences.
• Action planning facilitates collaboration between the parties involved, that is, the researchers as well as the affected population.
• It results in performance improvement in various areas of application.

Limitations associated with the approach include:

• The analysis could not be quite effective due to the wide scope of focus.(Herr & Anderson, 2014)
• Action research could also be faced with the reluctance of the subjects to take part in the study due to personal perceptions, racial differences, or religious differences.(Lavrakas, 2008)

Conclusion

From the study above, Action research is seen to be a more extensive method of qualitative analysis. It facilitates the involvement of both the researcher and the subject community for the overall benefit of the society at the prime end.

References

Birks, M., & Mills , J. (2010). Grounded Theory: A Practical Guide. SAGE.

Blessing, L. T., & Chakrabarti, A. (2009). DRM, a Design Research Methodology. Springer Science & Business Media.

Bradbury, H. (2008). The SAGE Handbook of Action Research. SAGE.

Chevalier, J. M., & Buckles, D. (2013). Participatory Action Research: Theory and Methods for Engaged Inquiry. Routledge.

Herr, K., & Anderson, G. L. (2014). The Action Research Dissertation: A Guide for Students and Faculty. SAGE Publications.

Ivankova, N. V. (2014). Mixed Methods Application in Action Research: From Methods to Community Action. SAGE Publications.

Klein, S. (2012). Action Research Methods: Plain and Simple. Palgrave Macmillan.

Koshy, E., Waterman, H., & Koshy, V. (2010). Action research in Healthcare. SAGE Publications.

Lavrakas, P. J. (2008). Encyclopedia For Survey Research Methods. SAGE Publications.

Martin, V. B., & Gynnild, A. (2011). Grounded Theory: The Philosophical , Method, and work of Barney Glaser. Universal Publisher.

Maruster, L. (2013). Qualitative Research Methods. SAGE.

Oisen, W. (2011). Data Collection: Key Debates and Methods in Social Research. SAGE.

Tracy, S. J. (2012). Qualitative Research Methods: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis,Communicating Impact. John Willey & Sons.

Urquhart, C. (2012). Grounded Theory for Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide. SAGE.

Willis, J. W., & Edwards, C. (2014). Action Research: Models Methods and Examples. IAP.