Episode 7: Unveiling Action Research and Sustainable Transformations

In this week's episode, we unravel the intricate world of action research, a methodology that bridges the gap between research and tangible change. We explore how action research is not merely a participatory and cyclical approach but a powerful method that seeks to contribute to theoretical development by addressing real-world problems and fostering social transformation.

Hello, everyone! Welcome to another exciting episode of MAIS Perspectives. I'm thrilled to dive into the rich content of Unit 7 and explore some captivating concepts and theories. So, buckle up for an insightful journey!

In this week's podcast, we unravel the intricate world of action research, a methodology that bridges the gap between research and tangible change. Action research is not merely a participatory and cyclical approach but a powerful method that seeks to address real-world problems and foster social transformation. Are you ready to learn more? Alright! Let’s go…

Strictly speaking, action research is considered a methodology but, like grounded theory (which is also a methodology, despite its name), it has a specific relationship to theory building.

The key element to action research frameworks is the desire to generate change. But where does theory fit into all of this?

Action Research (AR) combines research and action to address real-world problems and generate practical knowledge. It typically involves a cyclical process of action, reflection, and learning, allowing for iterative improvements and the promotion of social change.

Action Research emphasizes the active participation and collaboration of stakeholders, including those affected by the issue being studied. By involving individuals, communities, or organizations in the research process, Action Research aims to empower them and promote ownership of the problem-solving process.

The process begins with the identification of a social problem or issue that needs to be addressed. This problem may arise from the experiences and concerns of the participants (participatory action research or PAR) or the broader social context. The problem is defined and framed in a way that allows for meaningful action and research inquiry.

Action Research involves designing and implementing interventions or actions to address the identified problem. These actions can take various forms, such as policy changes, community initiatives, or organizational interventions. The actions are based on a theoretical framework and research evidence and are aimed at bringing about positive change.

Throughout the action phase, data is collected to monitor and evaluate the effects of the interventions. Data can be gathered through various methods, including surveys, interviews, observations, or document analysis. The data collected is then analyzed to identify patterns, trends, and insights that inform the research process.

The reflection phase is a crucial component of Action Research. It involves analyzing and interpreting the data collected, reflecting on the outcomes of the actions taken, and examining the underlying theories and assumptions. The aim is to generate new knowledge, identify lessons learned, and refine the intervention strategies or research methods.

Action Research is an iterative process, with each cycle building upon the previous one. The insights gained from the reflection phase inform subsequent action planning and implementation, leading to further iterations of the research process. This iterative nature allows for ongoing learning, adaptation, and improvement.

 The ultimate goal of Action Research is to contribute to social change and transformation. By combining research and action, the methodology aims to generate practical knowledge that addresses social problems and leads to positive outcomes for individuals, communities, or organizations.

 You can see that AR is a participatory and cyclical methodology that aims to have a tangible impact on society. AR emphasizes a close connection between method and theory. The chosen research methods inform and shape the theoretical framework, while theory guides the selection and application of appropriate research methods. The iterative nature of Action Research allows for ongoing interaction and refinement between theory and method, leading to the generation of new knowledge and the potential for meaningful social change.

As we navigate through the layers of action research, it becomes evident that this methodology serves as a catalyst for meaningful and sustained social change. The interconnectedness of theory and method within action research creates a dynamic space for ongoing learning and adaptation.

The article by Bradbury et. al in Unit 7 emphasizes the urgency of action research in response to the complexities of our current times. Proposing action research as a proactive methodology, the authors advocate for its potential to empower individuals and communities in collaborative problem-solving. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, action research becomes a driving force for positive transformations.

 Continuing on the theme of sustainability, the O'Brien video introduces us to the profound impact of action research in supporting a transdisciplinary approach. O'Brien's "Adaptation Connects" project serves as a beacon, merging old and new knowledge to facilitate conscious transformations towards sustainability. By engaging with the three spheres of transformation—practical, political, and personal—O'Brien showcases the potential of action research to drive deep and lasting changes.

Arguably, most social science researchers seek to contribute to change in as far as they select topics of study that merit resources (a researcher's time and funds, for example) because they constitute a social problem. In a larger sense, therefore, most researchers would likely seek to contribute to change. However, the link between social research and social action remains tenuous. It is important, as Reinholz and Andrews (2020) explain, to be aware of the differences between theory of change and change theory when one builds a theoretical framework for one's study. 

So what is the difference? While these two concepts are related, they have different meanings and applications. Here's an explanation of the differences between the two concepts.

Theory of Change refers to a specific and explicit theory that outlines the steps, assumptions, and expected outcomes of a particular change initiative or intervention. It provides a detailed and context-specific roadmap for enacting change. A theory of change is typically developed before implementing a specific intervention or program and serves as a guiding framework for planning, implementation, and evaluation.

A theory of change describes the causal pathways through which change is expected to occur. It outlines the sequence of activities, inputs, and outputs that are believed to lead to desired outcomes. It may also include assumptions about the context, key stakeholders, resources, and potential barriers or challenges. A theory of change helps stakeholders understand the logic behind the intervention and the expected mechanisms through which change will be achieved.

Change theory, on the other hand, refers to a general framework or model that explains how and why change occurs in a particular context. It provides a broader understanding of change processes and the underlying principles and mechanisms that drive them. Change theories are more abstract and general, focusing on fundamental concepts and principles of change that can apply to various contexts or domains.

Change theories are often developed through research and may draw on established social science theories, such as systems theory, diffusion of innovations, or social cognitive theory. They provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the dynamics of change and can inform the development of interventions or programs. Change theories aim to explain why change happens, what factors influence it, and how it unfolds over time.

The main difference between theory of change and change theory in the social sciences lies in their level of specificity and scope. Theory of change refers to a specific theory that outlines the steps, assumptions, and expected outcomes of a particular change initiative, while change theory provides a more general framework for understanding change processes and the underlying principles and mechanisms that drive them. Theory of change guides the planning and implementation of specific interventions, while change theory provides a broader understanding of change dynamics in various contexts.

The article by Reinholz and Andrews (2020) provided a good example of the distinction between change theory and theory of change within the context of STEM education. The authors sought to clarify the conceptual differences between these two terms and provide insights into their practical application.The authors emphasize that change theory provides a broader understanding of change processes, while theory of change provides a more detailed and contextualized roadmap for enacting change. Change theory helps researchers and practitioners understand the complex dynamics of change and offers a theoretical foundation for designing effective interventions. Theory of change, on the other hand, guides the planning, implementation, and evaluation of specific initiatives by specifying the causal pathways, assumptions, and desired outcomes.

In the context of STEM education, the article highlights the importance of distinguishing between change theory and theory of change. Change theory can provide insights into factors influencing educational reform, such as teacher beliefs, instructional practices, or policy contexts. Theory of change, on the other hand, can guide the development and implementation of specific interventions to enhance STEM learning experiences.

The authors ultimately emphasize the complementary nature of change theory and theory of change. While change theory provides a conceptual framework for understanding change processes, theory of change translates that understanding into actionable steps for achieving desired outcomes. The authors argue that a nuanced understanding of these concepts can support researchers and practitioners working in STEM education to effectively design and implement change initiatives.

As we wrap up, I'm eagerly looking forward to engaging with your group forum posts this week. Your insights and discussions have been exceptional, and I can't wait to see the conversations unfold.

 A big thank you to all of you for your dedication, and I'm excited about the upcoming week and the conversations that will emerge in your personal forums. Remember, your presentations are due by Monday morning.

Thank you for tuning in to Episode 7 of MAIS Perspectives. Your enthusiasm and engagement make this journey all the more exciting. Until next time, stay curious and keep exploring!