Module 4 Application
Action Research: Analyzing Data and Communicating Findings
During Modules 1-3, you composed a purpose, problem statement, question(s), and a literature review for your action research project. You also decided on a methodology, in which you designed a data collection plan for two data sources and completed data collection.
In the Module 4 Application, you will analyze the data you have collected from the two sources to identify trends and themes in your research. You will present a draft of your report and communicate your research findings to colleagues to gather their feedback and input on potential strategies for developing an implementation plan.
Course Objectives
• Describe action research, its process, and relationship to practice.
• Differentiate qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Evaluate, interpret, and communicate research findings to a target audience.
Directions:
1) Review the Module 4 Application Directions.
2) Start a new Word document. Include a title page. Follow APA (6th edition) format.
3) Follow the directions for Parts 1-3 to complete your action research paper.
4) Follow the directions to submit your final Word document.
5) ***NOTE: MAKE SURE THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO PLAGIARISM!!! Please note that we prefer all of your resources to be recent (no older than 8-10 years) unless it is considered classical literature (the writings of the theorists themselves)***
Part 1: Research Report: Polishing Your Draft
Please use headings to address each section. Use approximately 5 pages as a guideline. It is okay if you are slightly over. You have already composed drafts of most of the information below during Modules 1-3. They are listed here to assist your organization.
Research Purpose: You completed this section in Module 2. Make sure your research questions are stated clearly.
Problem Statement and Description of Setting: You completed your problem statement and description of setting in Module 2.
Literature Review: You completed the Literature Review in Module 2. Make sure you have three peer-reviewed articles and a brief overview of each article synthesizing common and differing points, in-text citations, and a references page at the end of your paper.
Methodology: You completed this section in Module 3. Make sure you have described your data-gathering methods (what you did) and how you collected (or plan to collect) your data.
Data Analysis
Analyze the data that you have collected from the two sources. Describe your findings/results. How do the data help answer your research question(s)? Describe themes or patterns evident in your data collection. Use tables, charts, or graphs to support your descriptions when appropriate.
Conclusions
In one to two paragraphs, summarize the conclusions you draw from your data analysis and findings.
Part 2: Communicating Your Findings
Share the draft of your research report with colleagues at your school or organization. Describe the communication you had with colleagues (this can be face-to-face or virtual). How did you present your findings to them? What ideas or suggestions did they offer? For personal communication, you will cite in-text as shown in examples below:
Write a citation where the communicator is mentioned in the text in this format: According to S. R. Becerra (personal communication, October 1, 2013), this statistic… Format a parenthetical citation in this manner: (S. R. Becerra, personal communication, October 1, 2013)
Give the initials and the surname of the communicator, and provide the date of the interview/exchange. Since most forms of personal communication do not provide recoverable data, you do not include this in the reference list. You will only cite in-text.
Part 3: Future Actions
What are your next steps? What would you do differently if you could?
What change do you expect your research to promote? Include at least one idea for future action research that builds on your initial proposal. At least one well-developed paragraph is needed for this section.
References: Use APA 6th edition standard. Double-space your reference section, and list in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
Appendices: If applicable, include any surveys (a copy of the survey used – not completed surveys) or tables in your Appendix.