Action Research

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Unit Learning Outcomes

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1 — Understand action research.

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1
  Summarise the key features of action research.
• 1.2
  Explain the key differences between action research and other research approaches.
• 1.3
  Explain how action research can be used to improve performance and outcomes.

2 — Be able to select an area or focus for an action research project.

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1
  Select an area or focus for an action research project, defining the key research question(s) to be explored.
• 2.2
  Justify the use of action research as an approach to exploring the selected area or focus.

3 — Be able to plan action research.

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1
  Use findings from appropriate professional literature, relevant to own research, to inform project plan.
• 3.2
  Produce a research plan which includes an appropriate timeline and outline of activities.

4 — Be able to carry out action research activities.

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1
  Carry out research activities in line with guidance on good conduct in research, including in relation to ethical practice and to ensuring reliability and validity.

5 — Be able to collect data for an action research project.

Assessment Criteria

• 5.1
  Select and design effective methods and tools for quantitative and/or qualitative data collection, as appropriate to the research project.
• 5.2
  Use appropriate methods and tools to collect data.

6 — Be able to organise and analyse data from an action research project.

Assessment Criteria

• 6.1
  Organise data collected in a logical way to facilitate analysis.
• 6.2
  Analyse and interpret data in order to extract relevant findings.

7 — Be able to draw conclusions from action research findings.

Assessment Criteria

• 7.1
  Use research findings to draw evidence-based conclusions.

8 — Understand how to use findings to improve performance and outcomes.

Assessment Criteria

• 8.1
  Explain how findings can be used to improve performance and outcomes in a specific setting.

9 — Be able to evaluate own performance as a researcher.

Assessment Criteria

• 9.1
  Critically review own performance as a researcher in relation to
  a) planning and carrying out the action research activities
  b) collecting data
  c) analysing findings
  d) drawing conclusions.
• 9.2
  Outline how the learning from own review could be applied to future action research projects.