Review: Ernest T. Stringer (2007). Action Research

Authors

  • Tobias Denskus University of Sussex

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-10.1.1188

Keywords:

action research, participatory research, qualitative research methods

Abstract

STRINGER's book on action research provides an accessible introduction to conducting participatory inquiries for social change. This general overview of the theoretical foundations of action research and methodological challenges is enriched by practical examples, insights, and exercises that are based on the author's substantial experience as a researcher and practitioner. Students and teachers will find this a valuable resource for teaching and training. However, STRINGER's positive outlook on humanity and communities and his non-confrontational style of action research ignores some of the "darker" sides of power, knowledge, and the difficulties of achieving sustainable social change. The final chapter and substantial appendices have a strong focus on traditional report writing; more alternative case studies on how to communicate action research may have been useful to balance his more conventional project-management approach. Overall, this is a very good introductory volume that can spark ideas, discussions, and (self-) reflection on how to better link theory and practice. URN: urn:nbn:de:0114-fqs0901108

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Author Biography

Tobias Denskus, University of Sussex

Tobias DENSKUS is a doctoral researcher at the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Sussex, UK. His research takes place at the intersection of ethnography, peace research, and critical discourse analysis, and uses different qualitative research and writing methods to primarily engage with peace-building communities in Nepal and Germany.

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Published

2008-10-30

How to Cite

Denskus, T. (2008). Review: Ernest T. Stringer (2007). Action Research. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-10.1.1188