SP9250 Action Research and Practice Research Course description

The course gives an introduction to the historical background and development of action research and practice research (including participatory action research, PAR, and participatory practice research, PPR). Research traditions, theories and methodological issues across a variety of disciplines within social and human sciences and professions are examined. The course covers theories of science suited for positioning the epistemological and ontological grounding of action and practice research. Important questions include the following: What are the characteristics of action research and practice research? Which view of knowledge build the foundation for these research approaches? What possibilities for developing knowledge exist within different traditions in action research and practice research? What is the potential for carrying out innovative research?

The course includes knowledge on how to apply these research approaches in designing and developing the student’s own research projects. How to design an action or practice research project that is manageable within the resources of a PhD project is given special attention. Ethical challenges are highlighted and critically reflected on, such as power relations between researchers and other actors, anonymity and confidentiality as well as conflicts in the collaboration.

Main Subjects:

• Action Research
• Practice Research
• Participatory Action Research
• Epistemological and methodological issues

No prior knowledge requirements

Learning Outcome

Completing the course will give the students the following learning outcome, sectioned into knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge:

The PhD candidate

• has in-depth knowledge of the theories of science relating to action research and practice research
• has in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and methodological perspectives that form the basis for action research and practice research, including advanced knowledge about co-production and research with other stakeholders
• can evaluate the expediency and application of methods and research processes within participatory research
• has in-depth knowledge about research ethics significant for processes within action research and practice research
• has advanced knowledge about how action research and practice research can contribute to the development of innovative knowledge and methods

Skills:

The PhD candidate

• can analyse and reflect critically on epistemological and methodological issues in action research and practice research
• can plan and carry out action research and practice research projects of high l standard can handle complex academic issues related to knowledge production and research ethics
• can challenge established knowledge and practice in the field

General Competence:

The PhD candidate

• can identify relevant and innovative research questions for action research and practice research
• can identify relevant ethical issues within participatory research to carry out his/her research with scholarly integrity
• can initiate and manage complex research projects based on collaboration with different stakeholders
• can communicate the research to stakeholders and academic debates through recognized channels, both national and international

The course is an optional course in the PhD Programme in Social Science.

The course focuses on the reciprocal relationships between participation in the labour market and health, and the ways in which these are structured by social stratification. A running theme is how these phenomena and their interrelations are shaped by national and international institutions and contexts. The degree to which Western societies are able to integrate disadvantaged groups in the labour market is arguably one of the most crucial preconditions for their sustainability in the future. The course will apply an interdisciplinary perspective and draw on disciplines and research fields like social epidemiology, health research, sociology, labour market research, political science, and comparative social policy. The course will cover topics like concepts of health, in particular dimensions related to functional status and work capacity; the social distribution of health and its social determinants in different types of societies; international trends and patterns in labour market inclusion and exclusion; pathogenic and salutary aspects of work; policies and measures to include and retain disadvantaged groups in the labour market.

On successful completion of the course, the PhD candidate has the following learning outcomes defined as knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The PhD candidates have

• thorough knowledge of the links between work and health in Western societies and how they are shaped by social inequalities and institutional contexts.
• knowledge of the diversity of policies and schemes that are implemented to bring disadvantaged groups (back) into the labour market.
• knowledge about prominent research traditions and their theoretical and methodological aspects.

Skills

The PhD candidates have

• the ability to make well informed, critical assessments of different theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches to social inequality, health and inclusion in the labour market.
• a scholarly and systematic basis for designing and conducting studies about inequality, health, work/labour market, and how these interrelationships are influenced by welfare state institutions.

General competence

The PhD candidates are capable of

• assessing and identifying new research questions in the field.
• taking part in debates in national and international fora.

Teaching is organised as a combination of lectures, group work and presentations of the participants' own projects.;The course is in English.

Participation is mandatory, and candidates are expected to attend all days of teaching. A minor absence (up to 20 %) can; only be accepted under certain circumstances;and;upon application. In the event of absences that are not approved, candidates will lose their right to have their essays assessed.;

Students must write an essay, in English, of 8-10 pages in connection to the course. The essay shall take the candidates;project as its point of departure and be related to the course content. The essay must be handed in for assessment no later than two months after the end of the course. A passed essay is a precondition for being awarded the 5 ECTS credits. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, by a specified deadline. The essay will be graded by the course lectures.

All examination support material is allowed as long as source reference and quotation technique requirements are applied.;

Applicants must be registered as PhD candidates at a higher education institution or be part of a lektorprogram/førstelektorløp.Participants will be asked to give presentations of their projects, their experiences from action research and practice research, a pre-paper. The presentations will form the basis for discussions where active participation will be expected, both in presenting one's own ideas and providing feedback on the ideas of others. The pre-paper must be put into writing (1-2 pages) and distributed to the coordinators by the stipulated deadline.