Best Action Research Practices

Final Essay

This essay will discuss the best practices in action research and it will provide an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of current theories. It will include the criteria for choosing best practices in action research.

Also, you will find a discussion on the common threads and themes that is important to my development as a profession.

The Best Practices in Action Research

Action research can be defined upon the assumption that all people who affect or are affected by the issue investigated should be included in the processes of inquiry (Stringer, 2014). Stringer (2014) stated, “Action research works on the assumption that all people who affect or are affected by the issue investigated should be included in the processes

of inquiry” (p. 6). This correlates with people having an impact upon the outcomes of the improvement process; thus, the people are an active part of the investigation process. This is a best practice in action research; however, this is not the only best practice.
Cooperrider’s and Whitney’s description of organizational improvement involved using Appreciative Inquiry (AI), which transforms strategic planning, survey methods, culture change and other measurement systems by moving an organization from using problem-based management to affirming past and present strengths along with successes (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005).

Action research that involves affirmation of past strengths and successes, such as Appreciative Inquiry, will improve the working environment for every organization that place emphasis on what worked versus what did not work. A best practice in action research should not only seek to include people affected, focus on past strengths and success, but it must ensure accurate and valid solutions. This can be accomplished when a researcher will make a claim, included reasons supported by evidence, acknowledge and respond to the views of others while explaining their principles for reasoning (Booth, Colomb, & Williams,

2009).
The inclusion of people involved, affirming past strengths and successes, and providing accurate, valid solutions as the best practices in action research were common among threads and themes presented in the journal entries; subsequently, the theme surrounding Appreciative Inquiry is best suited for my profession. As the leader for a program, the practice of valuing and affirming past successes increases student retention and loyalty of co-workers.
The Strengths of Current Theories
The strength of action research encompasses investigation based upon repeated cycles of acquiring information, reflecting on the information gathered, and planning practical steps toward resolution of the issue investigated; subsequently, it suggests research to be constructed continuously on the look, think and act model for the resolution (Stringer, 2014).
Another strength of a current theory is Appreciative Inquiry, which is intertwined with the cooperative, coevolutionary search for the best in people, their organizations, and the world around them (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005). Appreciative Inquiry provide workers with a sense of satisfaction, as they are valued by the organization and are given the opportunity to share their experiences building upon past strengths and successes. Appreciative Inquiry does not acknowledge pass failures; however, there are weaknesses that can occur in current theories when information is not clear.
The Weaknesses of Current Theories
The weakness of action research can occur in the importance in developing the context or background of an action research study, for a full understanding of the changes that take place will allow researchers to handle hurtful and antagonistic situations judiciously (Stringer, 2014).
A weakness of the Appreciative Inquiry may appear during the appreciative interview should anyone be left out; henceforth, in the process, people reclaim their ability to admire, be surprised, be inspired, and appreciate the best in others and in their organization (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005).
Another current weakness may occur if the questions are not framed properly to gain valid results from the research. The core of a researcher’s argument is a claim backed by reasons based on the evidence (Booth, Colomb, & Williams, 2009).
Criteria for Choosing Best Practices in Action Research
The criteria for choosing best practices in action research should be focused upon the outcome that is sought from the research.

To propel an organization forward Appreciative Inquiry should be utilized; subsequently, it provides a shift from problem analysis to positive core analysis that allows everyone to be part of a team that carry out the work needed to realize the new dream and designs for the future (Cooperrider & Whitney, 2005). It is because of this, that Appreciative Inquiry action research is suited for my profession. In my profession, I assist students to be the best they can be.

Another criterion for choosing best practices in action research involves the investigation of an issue that does not require traditional reports should utilize action research; thus, it entails an investigation based upon repeated cycles of acquiring information, reflecting on the information gathered, and planning practical steps toward resolution of the issue investigated that suggest research to be constructed continuously on the look, think and act model for the resolution (Stringer, 2014).

Conclusion
The best practices in action research were highlighted providing an insight into the strengths and weaknesses of current theories; henceforth, the criteria for choosing best practices in action research were stressed for a better understanding. Appreciative Inquiry was discussed as being the best action research practice for my development as a profession. The Appreciative Inquiry theory provided a new dimension to utilized in the process of improvement. The strategy was based upon valuing the people in the organization; subsequently, people involved in research are included, as the researcher establish a connection with their history. Research reports stating a claim include the reason, evidence to support it, and viewpoints of other; thus, it is a best practice in action research to provide accurate and valid results.