What are the main differences between case study and action research in qualitative research?
I want to learn your opinion on this subject.
Hi, Ahmet,
I like the question. What I offer here is my perspective after 50+ years of doing research on campus and in communities, schools, families, clinics, etc. In my view, a case study is a case of "something." An person, situation, process for which there is some consensus that it represents, is an exemplar, etc. For example, my colleague Roland Tharp and I did a case study of a man who was named in 2000 the greatest US college coach of 20th century. There was wide consensus that he represented an exemplar of an outstanding coach. One can try to imagine finding a consensus for a case study of an outstanding scientist, teacher, physician, actor, business person, leader, etc. Case studies are often compelling because they are a narrative, a story. Narratives/stories are in the opinion of many evolutionary psychologists a default form of storing, understanding, and recalling events, people, experiences. I've heard that cases are stories that exploit the "unreasonable power of anecdotes" which so often prove a barrier to persuading our brothers and sisters that what they believe may not be supported by scientific evidence. Action Research is one of those umbrella terms that has come to reference many different approaches. There's the original version that was developed in the 60s, but since then it has metastasized into myriad versions. For me action research is more or less the same as design experiments, or what Roland and I called Seral Research. Tharp, R. G. & Gallimore, R. (1982). Inquiry processes in program development. Journal of Community Psychology, l0, l03-ll8. But no matter what you call it, action research means, for example, you study yourself or other as they attempt achieve a change in behavior — for example trying out some ways to improve the delivery of instruction, coaching, counseling, medical service, or whatever form of intervention is attempted. Roland and I describe in the 1982 article a series of "research moves" we took to improve the reading of young Native Hawai'ian students. We tried this, and then that, and this, and then that, and all the time we were collecting data, making adjustments based on the data, and slowly but surely refining our intervention. I hope this helps. You can also reach me by email. [email protected] Best regards, Ron
I think the key to action research is the goal of changing something. So, for something to be action research, you need to try to bring about some outcome that you or others consider to be desirable
An another distinction I have seen in the educational sphere is that teachers are frequently engaged in action research of their own practice. Often the results are not intended for publication but for improved pedagogy.
Dear Morgan, Gallimore and CohenMiller
Thank you very much your answer
I learned very good things from your answers
Dear Prof. Ahmet Aykan,
The difference between a case study and action research.
01. Case Study:
- It is an in-depth analysis of a particular event over a long period of time.
- It involves observing and analyzing a situation.
- It is used in many fields; they can be specially used with community problems such as unemployment, poverty, etc.
- It does not provide a solution to a problem.
- Researchers generally don’t take part in the research study.
02. Action Research:
- It is a type of a research study that is initiated to solve an immediate problem.
- It involves solving a problem.
- It is mainly used in the field of education.
- It always involve providing a solution to a problem.
- Researchers can also act as participants of the research.
I hope the information will help you.
With Best Wishes,
Samir G Pandya
Dear Samir G Pandya
Your answer is very useful for me.
Thank you very much
Best Regards
I agree With David L Morgan. Action in name means after the problem diagnosis action/solution will be taken to solve the problem.
Please see this important link:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/680325087436989909/
Action research is a research that directs a quick solution to a field problem. As for the case study, it is linked to a deep study of a specific case from all sides.
- Badges
- Science method
- Similar topics
- Methodology
- Research Methodology
- Qualitative Research