Conceptualizing Validity for Participatory Action Research Dissertations and Theses: A Holistic Framework

• In Event: Roundtable Session 54
  In Roundtable Session: Writing and the Dissertation

Abstract

What counts as quality/valid action research has been widely debated in the field with little resolution. This is an issue of acute concern for students and faculty conducting and evaluating action research dissertations and theses. This paper addresses this concern by proposing a holistic conceptualization of validity for participatory action research. Premised on the notion that validity is an ongoing concern throughout the inquiry processes, we show how validity can be addressed in practice, and in doing so can contribute to inquiry in real-time and to judging the validity of a study. The holistic framework proposed can serve as a conceptual bridge to operationalizing validity in practice and serve to strengthen action research as a critical educational science.

Author

• Emily F. Cole, University at Buffalo - SUNY