Concepts and practices in agricultural extension in developing ...

interconnections constitute the wider webs of interaction which structure social life in discourses,in work, and in the organizational and interpersonal relationships in which relations of power areexercised (Sohng 1995).Action research typically involves an intervention methodology. As its eventual function is to bringabout future change, in the short term, its key function is to involve those who are most affected by theexpected change in a way that secures their commitment. Action research is typically cyclic. Carr andKemmis (1986) conceive of each action research cycle as comprising planning, action, observation andreflection, whilst Susman (1983) distinguished five phases of action research as shown in Figure 1.1.Adapted from Susman (1983).Figure 1.1. Action Research Cycle.Firstly, a problem is identified and data is collected for detailed diagnosis. This is followed by acollective postulation of several possible solutions, from which a single plan of action emerges andis implemented. At this point the best practices literature constitutes a useful input into this researchcycle, by providing promising, alternative courses of action. Data on the results of the intervention arecollected and analysed, and the findings are interpreted in light of how successful the action has been.At this point, the problem is reassessed and the process begins another cycle. This process continuesuntil the problem is solved.Action research is used in real situations, rather than in contrived, experimental studies, since its primaryfocus is on solving real problems. It can, however, be used by social scientists for preliminary or pilotresearch, especially when the situation is too ambiguous to frame a precise research question. Mostly,in accordance with its principles, it is chosen when circumstances require flexibility, the involvementof the people in the research, or change must take place quickly or holistically. It is often the case thatthose who apply this approach are practitioners who wish to improve understanding of their practice,social change activists trying to mount an action campaign, or, more likely, academics who have beeninvited into an organization (or other domain) by decision-makers aware of a problem requiring actionresearch, but lacking the requisite methodological knowledge to deal with it.11