Action Research for Social Work: Principles, Methods, and Ethics

Question 1

In action research, which principle emphasizes the involvement and collaboration of both researchers and participants?

Accepted Answer

Collaboration between researchers and participants

Answer

Objectivity and detachment from the research

Answer

Focus on theoretical exploration

Answer

Linear and sequential process of inquiry

Question 2

Identify the fundamental principle of action research:

Accepted Answer

Action research aims to generate knowledge and improve practice concurrently.

Answer

The researcher is an independent observer.

Answer

Action research is conducted in a laboratory setting.

Answer

Action research primarily relies on quantitative methods.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of action research?

Accepted Answer

Generalizability across contexts

Answer

Collaboration with stakeholders

Answer

Rigorous inquiry

Answer

Emphasis on social change

Question 4

In action research, the role of the researcher primarily involves:

Accepted Answer

Facilitating the research process

Answer

Providing expert knowledge

Answer

Collecting data independently

Answer

Implementing findings unilaterally

Question 5

Which method is commonly used for data collection in action research?

Accepted Answer

Participant observation

Answer

Surveys and questionnaires

Answer

Experimental design

Answer

Systematic literature review

Question 6

In action research, which factor is paramount when choosing a data collection method?

Accepted Answer

Alignment with the research question

Answer

Resource availability and time constraints

Answer

Researcher's familiarity with the method

Answer

Potential impact on participants

Question 7

Which design characteristics are distinctive to action research?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on action and facilitation of change

Answer

Linear and sequential design approach

Answer

Focus on external validity and generalizability

Answer

Detachment of the researcher from participants

Question 8

How does action research contribute to the advancement of evidence-based practice?

Accepted Answer

Empowers stakeholders to participate in the research process

Answer

Provides rigorous and objective data for decision-making

Answer

Guarantees generalizable results across different contexts

Question 9

In action research, how do inductive and deductive data analysis approaches differ?

Accepted Answer

Inductive analysis starts with data and builds theories, while deductive analysis tests existing theories with data.

Answer

Deductive analysis starts with data and builds theories, while inductive analysis tests existing theories with data.

Answer

Both inductive and deductive analysis start with theories and test them using data.

Answer

Both inductive and deductive analysis involve generating hypotheses and testing them using data.

Question 10

Rewritten: What is a fundamental principle guiding participatory action research?

Accepted Answer

Rewritten: Engaging participants actively in the research process and empowering them

Answer

Rewritten: Prioritizing individual perspectives and experiences

Answer

Rewritten: Employing primarily quantitative research methods

Answer

Rewritten: None of the above

Question 11

Rewritten: What is the primary role of the researcher in action research?

Accepted Answer

Rewritten: To facilitate the research process and support participants

Answer

Rewritten: To control the research process and dictate outcomes

Answer

Rewritten: To solely evaluate the results and disseminate findings

Answer

Rewritten: To maintain control over the research setting and ensure participant safety

Question 12

Rewritten: How should power be addressed in action research?

Accepted Answer

Rewritten: Power should be shared and negotiated among all participants.

Answer

Rewritten: Power must be equally distributed between researchers and participants.

Answer

Rewritten: Researchers should hold more power than participants.

Answer

Rewritten: Power dynamics are irrelevant in action research.

Question 13

Principle of Action Research in Social Work: Which of the following is a fundamental principle guiding action research in social work?

Accepted Answer

Emphasis on participatory involvement of stakeholders

Answer

Prioritization of rigorous and objective data collection

Answer

Focus on individual-level change as the primary goal

Answer

Exclusive use of quantitative data collection methods

Question 14

Purpose of Action Research in Social Work: What is the primary objective of conducting action research in the field of social work?

Accepted Answer

To contribute to evidence-based practice and facilitate social change

Answer

To generate generalizable knowledge applicable to all social work settings

Answer

To evaluate the effectiveness of existing interventions solely

Answer

To advance theoretical understanding of social work concepts predominantly

Question 15

Role of Participants in Action Research: What is the defining role of participants in action research?

Accepted Answer

Active collaborators actively involved in the research process

Answer

Passive recipients of information conveyed by the researcher

Answer

External evaluators assessing the research's progress and outcomes

Answer

None of the above options accurately describe the role of participants

Question 16

Common Data Collection Method in Action Research: Which data collection method is frequently employed in action research?

Accepted Answer

Participatory observation for qualitative data gathering

Answer

Experimental design for testing hypotheses

Answer

Quantitative surveys for collecting numerical data

Answer

Systematic literature review for analyzing existing research

Question 17

Goal of the Action Cycle in Action Research: What is the primary aim of the action cycle in action research?

Accepted Answer

To implement and evaluate interventions aimed at social change

Answer

To test hypotheses and theories

Answer

To collect and analyze data for decision-making

Answer

To disseminate findings and share knowledge with stakeholders

Question 18

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of action research?

Accepted Answer

It solely relies on quantitative data.

Answer

It aims to improve practice through reflection and change.

Answer

It involves collaboration between practitioners and researchers.

Question 19

What is the primary objective of participatory approaches in action research?

Accepted Answer

Empowering participants and fostering shared ownership of the research process.

Answer

Reducing the time and resources needed for the research.

Answer

Increasing the objectivity of research findings.

Question 20

Identify the key step in the cyclical process of action research where reflection and adjustment take place.

Accepted Answer

Reflecting on research findings and making necessary adjustments.

Answer

Collecting and analyzing data.

Answer

Developing a comprehensive literature review.

Question 21

What is the main focus of formative evaluation within the context of action research?

Accepted Answer

Assessing the progress and effectiveness of the research project.

Answer

Measuring the outcomes of the research project.

Answer

Identifying potential risks and mitigating factors.

Question 22

What is a key principle of ethical action research?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the dignity and rights of all participants.

Answer

Strictly adhering to scientific research methods.

Answer

Prioritizing the researcher's interests above all else.

Question 23

How does action research differ from traditional research paradigms?

Accepted Answer

It emphasizes collaboration, reflexivity, and social change.

Answer

It relies solely on quantitative data.

Answer

It is conducted exclusively in academic settings.

Question 24

What is a key benefit of conducting action research in social work practice?

Accepted Answer

It empowers practitioners to critically reflect on and improve their practice.

Answer

It guarantees positive outcomes for clients.

Answer

It reduces the need for formal supervision.