Principles of Community-Based Action Research

Author: Larry Trunkey

Affiliation: Simon Fraser University Community Economic Development Centre Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6

Relationships in Action Research. Relationships in action research should
• Promote feelings of equality for all people involved
• Maintain harmony
• Avoid conflicts, where possible
• Resolve conflicts that arise, openly and through dialogue
• Accept people as they are, not as some people think they ought to be
• Encourage personal, cooperative relationships, rather than impersonal, competitive, conflictual, or authoritarian relationships
• Be sensitive to people's feelings

Communication in Action Research. In effective communication, one
• Listens attentively to people
• Accepts and acts upon what they say
• Can be understood by everyone
• Is truthful and sincere
• Acts in socially and culturally appropriate ways
• Regularly advise others about what is apprehending

Participation in Action Research. Participation is most effective when it
• Enables significant levels of active involvement
• Enables people to perform significant tasks
• Provides support for people as they learn to act for themselves
• Encourages plans and activities that people are able to accomplish themselves
• Deals personally with people rather than their representatives and agents

Inclusion in Action Research. Inclusion in action research involves
• Maximization of the involvement of all relevant individuals
• Inclusion of all groups affected
• Inclusion of all relevant issues - social, economic, cultural, political - rather than a focus on narrow administrative or political agendas
• Ensuring cooperation with other groups, agencies, and organizations
• Ensuring that all relevant groups benefit from activities

Source: Action Research: A Handbook for Practitioners by Ernest Stringer, Pp.15-38.