Outline of Action Research Report
Title Page
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Review of Literature/Related Research
Chapter 3: Research Design/Methodology
Chapter 4: Implications for Teaching/Supervision and Research
References:
The chapters of your research project are defined below:
Chapter 1: Introduction
(1.A.) Background: Provide relevant background information
Background: Describe where the study was conducted
Demographics: Size of the school, location, population, etc.
Performance levels and other relevant instructional information
A description of who you are
Any other information that sets the stage for your study
(1.B.) Importance of the Study: Describe why you are undertaking this study, why it is significant, and what you hope to ascertain.
(1.C.) Statement of the Problem: State the purpose of the study; write “The purpose of this study was…” – use past tense throughout your report to indicate that it was written after the completion of the study.
(1.D.) Hypothesis and/or Research Questions: State what you presume will occur as a result of the study.
(1.E.) Definition of Terms: Define relevant words conceptually or operationally.
Chapter 2: Review of Literature/Related Research
Use “Literature” for quantitative studies. Use “Related Research” for qualitative studies.
Review relevant literature pertaining to your topic. What previous research informs your study?
Chapter 3: Research Design/Methodology
Use “Research” for quantitative studies. Use “Methodology” for qualitative studies.
(3.1) Sample – Describe in terms of:
who they are (include gender, age, grade level, ability levels, ethnicity – if relevant.)
where they are from, how many are participating, how they were selected and assigned
any other relevant information the reader may need to know the sample
(3.2) Materials – include a description and/or discussion of the following, if applicable:
relevant materials used in the study
any commercial tests, games, computers, literature, and/or surveys
validity and reliability of testing instruments or surveys
(3.3) Analysis of Data – Explain how you analyzed your data
(3.4) Results – State and describe the results of your study
Provide the raw data only; reserve your conclusions and insights for the next chapter
Display the results in table form, using graphs, charts, and any other acceptable manner of presenting your findings
Chapter 4: Implications for Teaching/Supervision and Research
(4.1) Limitations of the Study – List and briefly explain factors beyond your control, such as:
sample, size, time factor, internal and external validity
(4.2) Discussions/Conclusions – Describe your observations, opinions, and conclusions based on the results you reported in the previous chapter. Provide possible explanations and note interesting, significant, and/or curious findings.
(4.3) Implications for school improvement or effectiveness.
(4.4) Implications for Further Research – Describe areas of further investigation that you might recommend others undertake. Include areas of investigation you did not pursue, but are important.
Your paper must follow the APA style.
