Stringer and Dryer Discussing Action

¶ … Stringer and Dryer discussing Action Research in Human Services. What is Action Research and how can it better used in situations of Human Services? This paper will define the term Action Research and look for applications of this process in situations of Human Services.

There are many different types of research one can use in situations where information must be gathered. After reviewing available sources on the topic, it is interesting to find many different categories such participatory and conventional research methods which follow different cycles of inquiry. Still one must questions, does each different type involve some type of action in order for the research to take place? All research implies some sort of action on the person doing it. Research itself is an action along with the steps taken within the action; steps like asking questions and formulating hypotheses. Depending on the situation, involves participating in dialogue with others and educating them on the topic. This puts into action the possibility for different outcomes, some that may not be satisfactory to the researcher. In other words, action research is constantly on the move and progressing toward the objective or goal of discovery.

So how does this process of action research apply to Human Services? It takes the researcher out of the solitary role and puts them into a group expanding the outcomes due to different human perception. This allows for more creativity and birth of new ideas. It leads to further discoveries that may not have been possible with just one person.

Human Services implies action on the part of someone helping another human. This type of action we see everyday in our culture; service industries are expanding due to a shift in lifestyle by Americans. No longer is it a 9 to 5 work week with many families constantly on the go. Someone who works in Human Services whether it be in Health Care or Public Programs, needs to have the ability to investigate subjects further in order to be able to better understand and fulfill their needs. It is basic human sociology; this vital need for connection and understanding. Still we live in a society of distrust. New technology has made it easier to access to information that may be private and confidential. Much of the Human Services workers may of objective is to get past people's barriers and find out the truth of the situation. This involves a person not only being trained to ask the right questions but also to have people skills. This involves building an atmosphere that is non-threatening and neutral. This may mean a person must use a calm tone of voice and have relaxed body language.