In Chapter 3 of Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher, the debate over the role of the literature process is discussed. Mills (2014) remarks,
Some researchers have argued that reviewing the literature curtails inductive analysis-using induction to determine the direction of the research-and should be avoided at the early stages of the research process. Others suggest that the review of related literature is important early in the action research process because it helps action researchers identify underlying assumptions behind their research questions and helps the researcher refine research questions and embed them in guiding hypotheses that provide possible direction to follow (p.74).
At this early stage of action research as you prepare to search for credible sources of information to help you build an action research proposal, discuss which viewpoint on these two perspectives you lean toward and why. How do you intend to use what you learned concerning best practices for research from the chapter and the web-based resources to help you search effectively and efficiently?
Week 2 Assignment
Literature Review Matrix
Instructions: You will conduct a web search on your area of focus using Google, Bing, Yahoo, or any other major search engine. Be sure to take the time to inform yourself on sound research sources including use of peer reviews as listed in the recommended and required resources for the week. To get you started, view What is a Scholarly Journal Article?. Next, you will analyze the first five results that appear from your search in a table format using Microsoft Word. Then, using the same keywords you used to search the Web, you will conduct a search in the Ashford University Library using one of the academic databases (ERIC, ProQuest, EBSCOhost, and so forth) and create a table using Microsoft Word. Finally, you will select two sources from either table that you feel are the best overall based on currency, credibility, authority, and academic integrity and construct a summary. For each article in your tables, use the following format:
APA Citation
Source Type (e.g., journal article, magazine article, book, and so forth) Annotation (e.g., two to three sentences summarizing the contents of the source)
Content
The assignment needs to include the following areas of content.
Web Search: Construct a table that includes an APA citation, source type, and a two- to three-sentence annotation for five scholarly sources gathered from an open Web search.
Library Search: Construct a table that inclides an APA citation, source type, and a two- to three-sentence annotation for five scholarly sources gathered from a library search.
Summary - Source Selection: State the two sources you have selected and in one paragraph evaluate what factors influenced your decision to select these articles over the others from your search results.
Summary - Learning: In a paragraph, explain what you learned through this process of selecting articles and what was most informative for you about this experience.
Summary - Adaptations: In a paragraph, explain the adaptations you will make in your search and evaluation process as a result of what you located during this assignment.
Summary - Application: In a paragraph, explain how you will use the information you found to help inform your ideas about your action research proposal.
Written Communication
The assignment needs to adhere to the following areas for written communication.
Page Requirement: Your assignment must be three to four pages, not including title and references pages.
APA Formatting: Use APA formatting consistently throughout.
Syntax and Mechanics: Display meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Your written work should contain no errors and be very easy to understand.