Rigorous process

The process of Action Research needs to be rigorous. In other words, services need to be confident that the answers arrived at are sound and accurate. Rigour, therefore, refers to the process that ensures the research is well founded and reliable. Services do not want to make significant changes to their practice if the research conclusions arrived at through Action Research are not testable, valid and reliable (CMYI, 2006, p.7).

The core elements involved in ensuring rigour include:

• participation of stakeholders
• multiple flexible methods
• ensuring an evidence base
• transparent processes
• detailed answers to questions
• actively seeking different points of view
• multiple cycles of Action Research.

Action Research involves asking questions in a particular context. Rigour depends on the validity of your answers being accurate in their context. 

For further information on this essential element of Action Research, refer to the Reconnect Action Research Kit (Crane 2000).