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Table 1 Step and actions in an action research cycle

From: Action research in Singapore: where are we now?

Steps

Actions

1. Establish the research problem.

Reflect on the current situation.

Make observations on selected events.

Narrow down the problem.

2. Be informed by the literature.

Search relevant literature pertaining to the problem.

Read relevant literature pertaining to the problem.

Glean key ideas and arguments that ‘inform’ the problem.

3. Set up the purpose of the study.

Establish the purpose of the action research.

4. Craft the research question.

Consider the question/s to be answered.

5. Frame the design of the study.

Decide on the research design or approach (e.g., survey, case).

Decide what data to collect, who to collect, when to collect, and how to collect.

Consider how to collect the data in an ethical manner.

Construct the instrument (e.g., questionnaire, interview guide).

Decide on the intervention (e.g., teaching strategy).

Prepare the intervention materials (e.g., lesson plan, teaching aids).

Deliver the intervention.

Collect the data.

Analyze the data.

6. Organize the findings.

Decide on how the findings will be analysed.

Decide on how the findings will be presented.

7. Summarize the conclusion of the study.

Specify the answer/s to the research question.

8. Explore the implications of the study.

Consider the implications and actions to be taken based on the results of the findings, including the next action research cycle.

9. Write the report of the study.

Succinctly write the key components of the action research project.

Ensure that a consistent referencing style is adopted.

10. Share the study findings.

Decide who to share the key findings and implications of the study.

Decide how to share the key findings and implication of the study.

Suggestion for further investigations.