What is Action Research?

Action Research is a process by which ordinary people become researchers in order to investigate, understand and change their situation.

Unlike more traditional approaches to research, action research

• focuses strongly on action and change, rather than just seeking knowledge for its own sake
• seeks to empower those involved in research, rather than viewing them as 'subjects' upon whom research is conducted
• challenges the notion of 'expertise' by using researchers as facilitators to assist with the process, rather than ‘experts’ who control the process

(Coghlan, 2001)

Previous Action Research Project

In 2008 the National Seniors Productive Ageing Centre worked with The Older Men's Network (TOMNET) on an action research project. TOMNET is a not-for-profit community organisation that offers a range of support services for older men in regional, rural and remote locations in Toowoomba and South-West Queensland (www.tomnet.org.au). The goal of the project was to help TOMNET identify and address the needs of its members, in a way that maintained the 'for men, by men' ethos of the organization.

The results of the project will be presented at the 42nd Annual Conference of the Australian Association of Gerontology in November 2009. Click here to view the abstract.

Find out more about Action Research

To find out more about the TOMNET project, or to suggest another action research project, contact Dr Siobhan O'Dwyer (s.odwyer@nationalseniors.com.au).

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