#📓 #📄 #🟠 # Why action research? ![[calendar-plus.svg]] <small>Oct 16, 2021</small> | ![[calendar-clock.svg]] <small>Nov 25, 2022</small> 🏷️ [[Action Research]] **Author:** Mary Brydon-Miller, Davydd Greenwood, & Patricia Maguire **Citation:** Brydon-Miller, M., Greenwood, D., & Maguire, P. (2003). Why action research? _Action Research,1_(1), 9–28. [https://doi.org/10.1177/14767503030011002](https://doi.org/10.1177/14767503030011002) --- # Summary Article examining common themes and commitment among action researchers, areas of disagreement and important avenues for future exploration. ## Key Takeaways # Notes & Important Ideas - Action Research is not just solving an individual problem, but seeking to add to the broader knowledge. ([note on p.11](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=3)) - knowledge is socially constructed and research is embedded within a system of values ([note on p. 11](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=3)) - basic tenet of AR is that to understand and change the culture, or human system, you have to involve the members of the system the design and implementation of the inquiry process ([note on p.14](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=6)) - theory generated through practice is only useful when used to achieve positive social change. ([note on p.15](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=7)) - Action research crosses boundaries and silos. Good method for cross-functional teams. ([note on p.20](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=12)) - Need to improve environment for action research. ([note on p.22](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=14)) - Difficult to scale up action research efforts in organizations that are hierarchical and don't operate democratically and inclusively, ([note on p.24](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=16)) - One weakness of action research is that it's localized and difficult to translate to large-scale social change efforts ([note on p. 25](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=17)) - Action Reserach can produce more 'valid' results because external expert knowledge and local knowledges are combined > the interpretation of the results and the design of actions based on those results involve those best positioned to understand the processes: the local stakeholders." ([Brydon-Miller et al 2003:25](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=17)) > our practice 'aims toward greater congruity between the values one espouses and the values one enacts' - *Bill Torbert* ([Brydon-Miller et al 2003:12](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=4)) > 'What really is the purpose of social research? The answer to this question to me now is quite straightforward: the improvement of social practice.' - *Robin McTaggart* ([Brydon-Miller et al 2003:13](zotero://open-pdf/library/items/XBW5DP2Q?page=5)) ## Connections to Other Materials --- # Personal Reflections & Application # Other References TBR:: 🔖 Mead, G. (2002). Developing ourselves as police leaders: How can we inquire collaboratively in a hierarchical organization? In P. Reason (Ed.), *Special Issue: The Practice of Co-operative Inquiry. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 15*(3), 191–206.