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RESEARCH: Trisha Greenhalgh, Jill Russell, Lisa Dunkley, Petra Boynton, Frances Lefford, and Nikhil Chopra "We were treated like adults"--development of a pre-medicine summer school for 16 year olds from deprived socioeconomic backgrounds: action research study BMJ 2006; 0: bmj.38755.582500.55v1 [Abstract]

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Action research: an opportunity for direct practice benefit

Jackie Bridges   (3 April 2006)

Action research: an opportunity for direct practice benefit 3 April 2006
Jackie Bridges, Senior Research Fellow City University, St Bartholomew School of Nursing & Midwifery, Philpot St, London E1 2EA Send response to journal: Re: Action research: an opportunity for direct practice benefit	Perhaps an opportunity was missed by Trisha Greenhalgh and colleagues to be explicit about why action research in particular can be an approach to research of direct benefit to practice. Action research is characterised by participation, democracy and contribution to social science and social change (Meyer 2000). It is part of a participatory paradigm that focuses on a concern for doing research with, for and by people and communities, rather than on them (Reason & Bradbury 2001). The relationship between the researcher and the researched is redefined, with all those involved in the endeavour being viewed as equal partners. In addition, participatory research can be distinguished from other approaches by the level, intensity and duration of the commitment to a community by a researcher (Lincoln 2001). The quality of relationships between inquiry participants enrich the findings of the inquiry and optimise their utility in informing positive, practical changes (Heron & Reason 1997). In other words, the more steeped in the setting the researcher is, and/or the more true-to-life the relationships between participants are, the more likely it is that deeper understandings emerge and that positive action will result. The principles of action research challenge conventional understandings of scientific inquiry and knowledge, but done well, action research can add an important dimension to what we know about health care practice and how improvements can be made. Heron,J & Reason,P (1997) A participatory inquiry paradigm. Qualitative Inquiry, 3(3), 274-94. Lincoln,Y.S. (2001)Engaging sympathies: relationships between action research and social constructivism. In 'Handbook of action research: participative inquiry and practice' P.Reason & H.Bradbury (Eds.) London: Sage, pp. 124-132. Meyer,J (2000) Using qualitative methods in health related action research BMJ 320: 178-181 Reason,P & Bradbury,H (2001) Handbook of action research: participative inquiry and practice. London: Sage Competing interests: None declared