Action Research

Overview

Framework:
RQF
Level:
Level 4
Unit No:
J/506/4477
Credits:
6
Guided learning hours:
30 hours

Assessment Guidance

Portfolio of Evidence

Unit Learning Outcomes

1

Understand action research.

Assessment Criteria

  • 1.1
    Summarise the key features of action research.
  • 1.2
    Explain the key differences between action research and other research approaches.
  • 1.3
    Explain how action research can be used to improve performance and outcomes.
2

Be able to select an area or focus for an action research project.

Assessment Criteria

  • 2.1
    Select an area or focus for an action research project, defining the key research question(s) to be explored.
  • 2.2
    Justify the use of action research as an approach to exploring the selected area or focus.
3

Be able to plan action research.

Assessment Criteria

  • 3.1
    Use findings from appropriate professional literature, relevant to own research, to inform project plan.
  • 3.2
    Produce a research plan which includes an appropriate timeline and outline of activities.
4

Be able to carry out action research activities.

Assessment Criteria

  • 4.1
    Carry out research activities in line with guidance on good conduct in research, including in relation to ethical practice and to ensuring reliability and validity.
5

Be able to collect data for an action research project.

Assessment Criteria

  • 5.1
    Select and design effective methods and tools for quantitative and/or qualitative data collection, as appropriate to the research project.
  • 5.2
    Use appropriate methods and tools to collect data.
6

Be able to organise and analyse data from an action research project.

Assessment Criteria

  • 6.1
    Organise data collected in a logical way to facilitate analysis.
  • 6.2
    Analyse and interpret data in order to extract relevant findings.
7

Be able to draw conclusions from action research findings.

Assessment Criteria

  • 7.1
    Use research findings to draw evidence-based conclusions.
8

Understand how to use findings to improve performance and outcomes.

Assessment Criteria

  • 8.1
    Explain how findings can be used to improve performance and outcomes in a specific setting.
9

Be able to evaluate own performance as a researcher.

Assessment Criteria

  • 9.1
    Critically review own performance as a researcher in relation to
    a) planning and carrying out the action research activities
    b) collecting data
    c) analysing findings
    d) drawing conclusions.
  • 9.2
    Outline how the learning from own review could be applied to future action research projects.