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Crossing the Bridge Between Numbers and Action

Blog post by Joel Martí

When I explain the historical divide between quantitative and qualitative methods in social research to undergraduate students, they often try to guess as to “which side” I am on. I really enjoy discussing the inconsistencies of this divide with them and take the opportunity to promote a productive debate on the potential benefit (and risks) of mixing quantitative and qualitative methods.

This debate also applies to action research. Although qualitative interviews represent the most common strategy for integrating conventional research methods in action research projects, measuring is often needed to support social actions on knowledge about how things and thoughts are statistically distributed. However, there have been few methodological discussions in the field of action research to date pertaining to the role quantitative methods can play in these projects. The article published in ARJ focuses on the different ways in which action researchers may strategically address this topic when thinking in processes that aim to coproduce knowledge with participants and promote changes in local settings.

Of course, combining quantitative data with participation and action is not unproblematic (nor is the application of any method in any research project), and several issues should be addressed, which include: the purposes of quantification, which realities are to be measured, the role the participants play in the measurement process, the threats to measurement quality, and the effects that measuring will have on the setting. In this respect, the recognition of the constructed and performative character of data is a key starting point when working with local actors who are engaged in a process of producing knowledge and actions from their social positions and interests.

You can access this article for free for the next 30 days by using THIS LINK.

After you’ve had a chance to read this piece, please share your thoughts, ideas, or experiences with our community so we can continue this discussion! The AR+ site is hosting a discussion forum for us to talk about our reactions and experiences related this topic. You can access the discussion forum HERE.

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