Planning Phase
Step 1 Understanding the Problem
Step 2 Defining the Project
Step 3 Determining the Measures

Finding a Starting Point and Clarifying the Situation
Step 1 Writing a Research Journal
Step 2 Finding a Starting Point for the Research
Step 3 Clarifying the Starting Point
Step 4 Collecting Data
Step 5 Analyzing Data

Action Phase
Step 4 Implementing an Action and Observing the Results

Developing Action Strategies
Step 6 Developing Action Strategies and Putting them into Practice

Reflection Phase
Step 5 Evaluating Results
Step 6 Reflecting on Project

Analysis and Theory Generation
Step 7 Formulating and Sharing Instructor Knowledge

Another common element between the two models is that there are several sequences in the change process. In both models, successful problem or need identification is the crux of the actual research effort. One of the difficulties of the word “problem” is that it implies that something is wrong. However, in the action research context, a problem is a definition of need for change that helps describe how certain issues can be addressed. Successful problem identification must meet certain criteria: the problem must be important to the person naming them and also significant for the workplace; the problem must be manageable; and problem statements must reveal some fundamental criteria for assessing a solution. In other words, the goal of the action researcher is to define the problem in a way that summarizes various perspectives and takes into account the organization’s needs, managerial needs, union needs and membership needs.

Similar to both models is the gathering and analysis of data. Data collection is a process of selecting the people or the sources of information that can assist in providing information on an issue or problem being researched. The goal is to define the population of individuals or the types of information sources than can provide a perspective on this issue. There are a variety of ways of collecting data from people sources and these include structured or unstructured interviews, focus groups, and survey questionnaires. One of the best data gathering methods in action research is the open-ended interview.