| 1. |
- Berglund, Karin Anna Elisabeth, et al.
(author)
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Using pictures and artefacts in a PAR process to disclose new wor(l)ds of entrepreneurship
- 2012
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 10:3, s. 276-292
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Drawing on Freire, this article elaborates on how pictures and artefacts benefit processes of 'prise de conscience' and 'conscientization' among those with powerful voices. Wor(l)d-making was unfolded in the Swedish think-and-do tank, 'the Smithy', emphasizing the intrinsically political nature of promoting 'societal entrepreneurship' (SE). New words for SE were formulated and a more inclusive world was discerned where all had a role, not just as 'helpers', but as equal members of SE practices. Pictures and artefacts enabled hitherto silenced stories to be told and created a common understanding of how SE contrasted with traditional entrepreneurship. When new words were added to entrepreneurship, it was possible to reflect on the actions taken within the Smithy in a deeper sense, not only focusing on actions for the entrepreneurs 'out there', but also initiating self-reflection on the roles all had in the Smithy, or in other settings, to promote SE.
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| 2. |
- Dabaieh, Marwa
(author)
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Participatory action research as a tool in solving desert vernacular architecture problems in the Western Desert of Egypt
- 2013
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 11:3, s. 279-298
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Vernacular architecture is suffering all over the world and Egypt is one of the countries where the desert vernacular is facing a great risk of disappearance. The aim of the research is to introduce a methodological approach applying participatory action research (PAR) as a tool to help save the future of the currently deteriorating desert vernacular architecture. The aim was to help prevent further loss of desert vernacular architecture knowledge and to encourage vernacular know-how in becoming a living part of future building practices. To benefit from local know-how, a desert vernacular model house was constructed using PAR methods that engaged the local community throughout the design and building phases. The model house was constructed based on an understanding of desert vernacular architecture as well as of the urban fabric and building technology. The town of Balat in the Western Desert of Egypt was chosen as a location for this research work application. As this is an international problem the research developed several techniques within PAR, applied in a flexible way, giving the opportunity for further application in similar vernacular settlements suffering from similar problems.
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| 3. |
- Ericson-Lidman, Eva, et al.
(author)
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Care providers learning to deal with troubled conscience through participatory action research
- 2013
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In: Action Research. - : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 11:4, s. 386-402
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to identify a process to assist care providers in dealing constructively with their troubled conscience generated by a difficult situation in elderly care relating to spitting behaviour. Our idea was, with help from participatory action research (PAR), that sharing and reflecting with others upon the voice of conscience, may support care providers to find ways to deal constructively with troubled conscience. Care providers in municipal elderly care participated in intervention sessions over one year, and with support from PAR, they were able to learn to ease the burden of a troubled conscience. They dealt with their troubled conscience constructively by sharing their thoughts and feelings, and gaining more knowledge about behavioural symptoms. They were trying to take relevant measures when caring for the resident, and perceiving the behaviour as unintentional. In this study PAR contributes with increased understanding of the necessity to listen to one's conscience and of the possibility of using conscience as a driving force, to develop clinical practice. This contribution of PAR may in the long run increase quality of care and work-related health.
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| 4. |
- Huzzard, Tony, et al.
(author)
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Constructing interorganizational collaboration The action researcher as boundary subject
- 2010
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 8:3, s. 293-314
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article aims to explore critically the role of an action research team in the social construction of interorganizational collaboration aimed at transgressing organizational and professional boundaries. We argue that the new relationships, actor conceptions and in some cases forms of work organization arising from the change process have been socially constructed through the discursive interventions of the researchers. This has largely occurred through informal interaction with and between the actors engaged in the development process. The action researcher, rather than being a neutral discursive gatekeeper in collaborative development projects, is an active constructor of the discourse shaping the collaboration. A case is presented showing how the researcher role is thus better seen as being an active boundary subject mediating across various professional and organizational perspectives rather than a passive boundary object. Accordingly, by focusing on the discursive role of active researchers as boundary subjects, we can reflect more critically on the roles we adopt in our intervention endeavours and their inevitably political nature.
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| 5. |
- Marquardt, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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Learning through feedback in the field Reflective learning in a NGO in the Peruvian Amazon
- 2010
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 8, s. 29-51
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The article discusses an action research project conducted in the Upper Amazon region of Peru that focused on the working approach of a NGO partner called PRADERA. In its land management projects PRADERA's working approach was characterized by a close collaboration with farmers. Its emphasis was on grasping the farmers' perspective on agriculture, targeting of local institutions in the villages as natural arenas for learning, and including topics in their analysis such as culture and worldview; this is analyzed through the framework of a reflective learning organization. The organization's capacity for learning is described as consisting of single-, double- and the possibility of triple-loop learning. During our collaboration with PRADERA, though we did not find established internal arrangements that could foster a triple-loop learning process, incipient signs were noted of space and potential which could favor deeper levels of learning. The importance of deeper levels of learning in the work of small highly action oriented NGOs such as PRADERA that act as a bridge between local farmers and the outside world, and how action research methodology can be a tool for developing reflectivity within such an organization, are discussed.
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| 6. |
- Sandberg, Fredrik, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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The interactive researcher as a virtual participant : A Habermasian interpretation
- 2013
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In: Action Research. - : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 11:2, s. 194-212
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article explores the role of the interactive researcher by drawing on Jürgen Habermas’s theory of communicative action to develop the concept of virtual participant. An ideal interactive research project is used to explore the issues faced by interactive researchers in three phases – initial, implementation and conclusion. In each phase, an interactive research project is used to demonstrate the issues that are discussed. First, this article argues that the concept of communicative rationality can be helpful in understanding how mutually trusting relationships between practitioners and researchers can be established at the beginning of a project. Second, it argues that the idea of taking a virtual stand on validity claims can be used during a project to engage a performative attitude and achieve mutual understanding with actors in the practice system. Third, this article argues that the concept of the virtual participant can explain how the interactive researcher can engage in performative action without becoming captive to the practice system. The concept of the virtual participant helps to enhance understanding of the complexity of the role of the interactive researcher.
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| 7. |
- Trollvik, Anne, et al.
(author)
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Childrens participation and experiential reflections using co-operative inquiry for developing a learning programme for children with asthma
- 2013
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 11:1, s. 31-51
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this article is to discuss methodological issues based on experiences involving the use of co-operative inquiry in a paediatric ward and to describe how the children’s own perspectives were taken into account. This project, which was conducted in Norway between 2004 and 2007, involved children, parents and health care professionals meeting in a mutual working process to apply a new pedagogic approach for children with asthma. Ninety individuals (children, parents, health care professionals, teachers and students) participated in the study that had a qualitative approach. The findings indicate that the adults considered the child perspectives throughout the project, while the children’s own perspectives were taken into account during the period of intervention. The children participated actively, which can support empowerment processes. Health care professionals and researchers responded to the children’s views using communication and research techniques adapted to the children’s age, development and sensitivity. Critical choices related to the project were made because of recruitment challenges involving children and families. Children between 7 and 10 years of age are competent actors who can be involved in research and thus represent activated sources of knowledge. Bringing about change requires endurance and a long-term perspective.
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| 8. |
- Zhang, Zheng, et al.
(author)
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Our way(s) to action research : Doctoral students’ international and interdisciplinary collective memory work
- 2014
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In: Action Research. - London, UK : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617 .- 0264-5122. ; 12:3, s. 293-314
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study involved six Swedish and Canadian doctoral students who shared interests in using action research in professional education in different disciplines. We employed Noffke’s three dimensions of action research as a theoretical framework (i.e., the Professional, the Personal, and the Political). Using collective biography as a methodology, we cooperatively examined how our personal and professional agendas and macro-level structures have been shaping our intentions to conduct action research projects in our respective disciplines. The key findings of this international and interdisciplinary collective biography relate our growing awareness of the intimacy between research and life in vari- ous professional and geographic contexts. Collectively addressing our shared frustrations, we celebrated action research as a methodology that attends to the dynamic and concrete lived experiences of our participants in various spatio-temporalities. Reflecting upon the hybridity of our own researcher identities, we were also able to see the intimate relation between ourselves as active citizens and critical action researchers who are determined to take up the challenges and engage in critically oriented action research that could nurture more ‘‘caring,’’ ‘‘empowering,’’ and ‘‘transforming’’ public spheres.
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