Action Research and Autoethnography

Action Research and Autoethnography

Literature Review: Autoethnography and Action Research



Introduction

Within this literature review two emerging research methodologies will be discussed: Action research and autoethnography. Each of these methodologies has their own purposes, powers and strengths and both differ from other traditional forms of academic research. To gain an understanding of these methodologies, 16 pieces of empirical research have been used. Although two articles are dated back to the 1990s, the majority of research is from the 2000s and onward. This review will begin by discussing action research. First, there will be an analysis of the research platform which will demonstrate the stance, approaches, positioning and history behind this methodology. ... Show more content on Helpwriting.net ...23). This methodology has been characterised as an interactive cycle consisting of identifying problems, diagnosing, developing intervention and evaluating the outcomes to find what has been achieved and to plan further interventions. In this research, Bargal (2008) highlights the importance of bringing together action and reflection and theory and practice. It is suggested that action research should be done in participation with others in the aim of making social change for the betterment of policy and practice.

Although the purposes and characteristics of action research are similar between researchers, criticisms of this methodology lie in the restrictiveness and 'confusing array' of models (Davis, 2013; Costello, 2011). With a large variety of models, a few examples are given here to show the variation between each. Costello (2011) refers to an action research model by Denscombe (2007, p.126). This model demonstrates the cyclical process of action research and includes five components: professional practice, critical reflection, research, strategic planning, and action. The idea of this framework is that it involves beginning with professional practice and reflecting on this. It is through reflection that there may be an identification of an issue or problem and it is this issue which requires research. Once an inquiry is completed, the research findings become the starting point for the instigation and development of an action

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