System Thinking and Action Research

23). This methodology has been characterised as an interactive cycle consisting of identifying problems, diagnosing, developing intervention and evaluating the outcomes to find what has been achieved and to plan further interventions. In this research, Bargal (2008) highlights the importance of bringing together action and reflection and theory and practice. It is suggested that action research should be done in participation with others in the aim of making social change for the betterment of policy and practice.

There are some challenges, as well, in implementing health promotion programs that use the social ecological framework. One main challenge is that programs are expensive and complex to implement in certain community settings. Also, there needs to be close coordination and collaboration between individuals and groups. In the article by Wagemakers et al., the authors developed a framework that links the domains of social environment and health, with key health predicting mediators, and operational variables of participation and collaboration (6). They based this framework on experience in case studies, audits of community health programs in the Netherlands, and ideas found in the literature. The authors offer four key guidelines on how to apply the framework that can help increase community participation and collaboration. These guidelines are: use the variables as a menu, set specific aims for social change processes, use an action research approach and triangulate data. This framework can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of community health promotion designs and address the challenges faced in implementing new programs.

Participatory action research is defined as the approach in research which is mainly focused and empathizes on action. This approach towards research is fundamentally aligned with the understanding of the world by trying to change it. One of the key reasons due to which PAR is mainly viewed as being controversial is because it intends to confront the existing status quo and affair of things in which they have been operating for a long period of

In order for a researcher to conduct an action research analysis several factors must be determined. The specific purpose for the research, the components, and stakeholders. My action research project is to address a specific problem my agency has with employee retention within the patrol division during the past three years. In conducting a critical mass analysis it is important to determine who has influence and can assist with making suggestions on changes or give necessary data. Stringer (2007) states, "action research is a systematic approach to investigation

According to Stephen P. Robbins, Action Research is “a change process based on the systematic collection of data and then selection of a change action based on the data indicates in the analysis.” Action Research is a five step process which includes, 1. Diagnosis – Here, the change agents tries to determine the causes for the organization’s problems. Information is collected by taking interview among the employees or searching the organizational records or by listening to employee concerns to diagnose the nature of the problem. 2. Analysis – In this stage, the change agents analyzes the data collected in the previous stage. Through this, the change agent is able to identify different kinds of problems. The change agent observes the similarities and differences between the problems. Then the information is classified into three categories – the

This essay discusses the philosophies, concepts, and methodologies of research investigations. Research designs are contrasted and compared to assess benefits, limitations, and applications. Approaches to quantitative and qualitative studies are illustrated and explained. The operations and purposes of program evaluations and action research studies are elucidated.

Action Research – a researcher moves through the action research cycles consisting of planning, acting, observing and reflecting to advance knowledge and develop people as professionals (Zuber-Skerrit, 1993, p.1).

Research, educational and action, are key to the continued improvement of educational methodologies and strategies. Educational research provides theories and pedagogy by organizing “empirical facts” (Johnson, 2012, p. 9). These scientific studies reach peer-reviewed conclusions that can be applied in multiple situations. Action research is more specific and focuses to provide a usable action plan (Johnson, 2012, p. 16).

Intimate partner violence has been a systemic issue from local communities through national and societal reformation needs. The cyclical behaviors and patterns of power and control are exercised upon an intended person (Hamilton, Jaffe, & Campbell, 2013). Although not all actions are physically violent, there are additional tactics utilized to perpetuate disempowerment. Additionally, there is an increased risk of fatalities when intimate violence occurs, whether the intended victim or other familial members. This is significant in investigating how systematically this is being continued. Action research will be able to address intimate partner violence through understanding and development of operative and effective action (Stringer & Dwyer, 2005). Various systems, such as child welfare, criminal justice, social service agencies, and medical providers, are reactive to the issue. By employing action research intervention can be thoughtfully engaged through collaborative efforts that maximize the relationship dynamics to find resolve.

1:1 – Explain the roles of different agencies in identifying levels of health and disease in communities

Systems theory aims at unlocking conceptual thinking. The theory advocates for the study of all components of living or environmental to compose logical homology for better understanding. This allows research to focus on isolation of component with the objective of determining the complexity of the problem. Systems theory affects the health delivery in the United States of America to influence the patterns in relation to care and nursing. Systems theory also has a significant impact on the policies and practices with the objective of changing

Action research is a form of research and conducted by and for those taking the actions. The primary reason for engaging in action research is to assist the actor in improving or refining actions. The value of action research is helping practitioners, health managers and researchers to make sense of problems in service delivery and in promoting initiatives for change and improvement. In this research process the investigator performing research with the support of community residents or clients. With the participant’s support researcher identify a community problem and developing the methodology of

Prior to beginning any action research study in the classroom, various permissions must be granted. In addition, this study will take place in a public school; permission will be obtained from the building administrator and district officials (Cohen, Manion, & Morrison, 2007). The

There are many theories of human behavior that are used in Social Work Practice. One of the human behavior theories that best relates to my research topic is the systems theory. Ludwig Von Bertalanffy was the first person to use the systems theory in 1949, but was not looked at by social workers until the 1960’s (Rogers, 2013). The systems theory helps us view human behavior through the results of active interactions between individuals and their social systems. Simply meaning that this theory helps provide a broad look at the client’s problems in his or her life. The basic tenets of this theory are that in order to understand human behavior you must look at the systems involved in the individual’s life because the systems are the central idea behind this theory (Rogers, 2013). Once you have established the systems involved in the person’s life you will then focus on each system individually and develop subsystems.

A central premise to health improvement is gaining insight from the public on their health concerns. This insight led to the creation of health coalition in many communities to determine best practices to address these concerns. Established coalitions provide opportunities for individuals and groups to collaborate and build trust around a shared concern to create an action plan to address the problem (Hodges). Coalitions empower participants, increase accountability, reduce duplication of efforts, and support social and dynamic engagement around shared goals (Hodges). Another option that expands the coalition model is the use of community advisory