A brief teaching note on action research as a research methodology in social science

A brief teaching note on action research as a research methodology in social science (information from perplexity.ai)

My question: "Briefly highlight the main ideas of the action research (of Kurt Lewin) as a research methodology in social science with regard to the following topics: (1) favored research philosophy, (2) favored research approach(es) (both on (i) the research methods (i.e. quantitative, qualitative mixed methods) and (ii) the reasoning approaches (i.e. inductive, deductive and abductive reasoning).) (3) favored research method design techniques, (4) favored research method design quality criteria, (5) favored data analysis techniques, and (6) favored researcher's impression management approach in conducting the action research (of Kurt Lewin)."

The reply: "I have found detailed information about Kurt Lewin's Action Research methodology, including its background, principles, and key characteristics related to social science research philosophy, approaches, design techniques, and other aspects. I will now summarize the main ideas as requested. Kurt Lewin's Action Research (AR) methodology in social science is characterized by the following main ideas:

(1) Favored Research Philosophy:

• Lewin's AR is grounded in a pragmatic, democratic, and participatory philosophy.

• It emphasizes collaboration between researchers and practitioners, focusing on solving real social problems through systematic inquiry.

• The philosophy is influenced by Lewin's field theory and his commitment to social change and democracy, viewing social behavior as the interaction between individuals and their environments.

(2) Favored Research Approach(es):

(i) Research Methods:

• AR integrates qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods as needed in a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.

• The approach is flexible, adapting methods to the practical problem and context.
  (ii) Reasoning Approaches:

• It primarily uses an inductive and abductive reasoning process, generating new theories and insights through iterative cycles of action and reflection.

• Deductive elements are also present when applying known theories to guide intervention.

(3) Favored Research Method Design Techniques:

• AR employs a spiral or cyclical design involving repeated cycles of data collection, goal setting, action/intervention, and evaluation.

• It promotes active participation and democratic decision-making throughout the process.

• The design is context-sensitive, focusing on the total situation or field where the problem exists.

(4) Favored Research Method Design Quality Criteria:

• Quality is judged by the practical relevance and social impact of the research.

• Emphasis on cooperation, feedback, and transparency among all stakeholders ensures ethical and democratic rigor.

• It values context validity and the ability to bring about positive social change, rather than just theoretical generalizability.

(5) Favored Data Analysis Techniques:

• Data analysis is integrative and iterative, often combining qualitative thematic analysis, quantitative measurements, and reflective evaluation to inform next steps.

• The focus is on understanding complex social dynamics and the effect of interventions in real contexts.

(6) Favored Researcher's Impression Management Approach:

• The researcher is an active participant and facilitator of change, not a detached observer.

• They act as a social change agent, fostering cooperation and democratic dialogue among participants.

• Transparency, mutual respect, and shared ownership of knowledge and outcomes are central.

In summary, Kurt Lewin's Action Research is a pragmatic, democratic, and iterative methodology that combines research and action in a cyclical process to understand and solve social problems collaboratively with stakeholders. It favors mixed methods, iterative reasoning, contextual design, cooperative quality criteria, integrative analysis, and active researcher engagement.

This concise overview addresses all six topics with a focus on Lewin's original conception and subsequent applications in social science."

A collection of blog notes on using chatgpt for research purpose.