Using action research to facilitate change in child protection services
✍ Scribed by F.W. Seymour; E. Davies
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2002
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 66 KB
- Volume
- 30
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 0090-4392
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
✦ Synopsis
Abstract
We have been involved over several years in the planning and development of services for child abuse investigation and therapy, including the development of multiagency (“child advocacy”) centers and education for Court programs. Our roles have been in research, program evaluation, group facilitation, advocacy, and planning. The approach taken was that of “action research.” This approach allows for the collaboration of researchers, service providers, and clients in the analysis of a social problem and/or related social services. It also allows for the multiple roles demanded of the researcher in facilitation of change. In contrast to action research, the more common approaches of scientific inquiry and program evaluation assume a one‐way influence of science on practice, which may partially account for the low rates of utilization of research knowledge and low participation in research by practitioners. Action research is described, and contrasted with other approaches. Advantages and problems in action research are illustrated by reference to the child protection projects we are currently involved in. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.