PHD-DVP 952 Action Research and Practice Research
PHD-DVP 952 Action Research and Practice Research
The course will introduce the historical background and development of action research and practice research, including participatory action research (PAR) and participatory practice research (PPR). In addition, research traditions, theories and methodological issues across a variety of disciplines are examined.
The course will introduce the historical background and development of action research and practice research, including participatory action research (PAR) and participatory practice research (PPR). In addition, research traditions, theories and methodological issues across a variety of disciplines are examined.

The course covers theories of science suited for positioning the epistemological and ontological grounding of action and practice research. Important questions include the following: What are the characteristics of actions research and practice research? Which view of knowledge builds the foundation for these research approaches? What possibilities for developing knowledge exist within different traditions in action research and practice research? What is the potential for carrying out innovative research?
The course includes knowledge on applying these research approaches in designing and developing the students’ research projects. Designing an action or practice research that is manageable within the resources of a PhD project is given special attention. In addition, ethical challenges are highlighted and critically reflected on, such as power relations between researchers and other actors, anonymity and confidentiality, and conflicts in collaboration.
Main subjects
- Action research
- Participatory Action Research
- Practice research
- Epistemological and methodological issues
This course will use Canvas as the platform for information.
Sessions
The work will consist of a combination of lectures and student activities through discussions, presentations of and responding to PhD projects
This course uses Canvas as the platform for information and lectures.
Time and place
Date: 10.05. - 11.05.2022
Address: VID Oslo, Diakonveien 14, AU 17
Program
Tuesday 10. May: Action research and Participatory Action Research
10.00 - 10.30 Welcome, information and introduction. Sidsel Natland and Tor Slettebø
10.30 - 11.15 Action research, Håvard Aaslund
11.15 - 12.00 Discussion
12.00 - 13.00 Lunch break
13.00 - 13.45 Participatory action Research (PAR), Sidsel Natland
13.45 - 14.45 Discussion
14.45 - 15.00 Break
15.00 - 17.00 Presentation of projects by the course participants
19.00 Dinner
Wednesday 11. May: Action research and Participatory Action Research
09.00 - 9.45 Practice research, Lars Uggerhøj
9.45 - 10.30 Discussion
10.30 - 10.45 Break
10.45 - 11.30 Participatory action research (PAR): The involvement of people with cognitive impairments, people with mental health issues and homeless people. PAR as part of a PhD-project. Stefan Johansson
11.30 - 12.15 Discussion
12.15 - 13.15 Lunch break
13.15 - 14.00 Epistemological, methodological and ethical challenges in action/practice research. Erik Eriksson
14.00 - 14.45 Discussion
14.45 - 15.00 Break
15.00 - 16.00 Summing up. Essay guidelines. Evaluation
Om foreleserne/about the lecturers
Tor Slettebø Professor, VID vitenskapelige høgskole
Sidsel Natland Associate professor, OsloMet – storbyuniversitetet
Håvard Aaslund Associate professor, OsloMet – storbyuniversitetet
Lars Uggerhøj Professor, Aalborg universitet
Erik Eriksson Associate professor, Lunds universitet
Stefan Johansson, Accessibility expert and PhD in Human Computer Interaction
Compulsory assignments
Pre-course reading
It is expected that the participants are familiar with relevant literature before the course starts.
Pre-course paper
The participants must submit a presentation of their projects, their experiences from action research and practice research. The presentation will form the basis for discussion where active participation will be expected, both in presenting one’s ideas and providing feedback on the ideas of others. The presentations must be written (1-2 pages) and submitted to the coordinators by May 6th, 2022. The presentations will be accessible for other students on Canvas.
Asessment
Submission of an essay. The word limit of the essay is 2000 +/- 10 % words.
Deadline for submission of essay: August 26th, 2022, in Inspera Assessment. The essay must fulfil source reference and quotation technique requirements. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, by a specific date.
More information about Inspera Assessment is found in the course pages at Canvas.
Satisfactory course attendance (minimum 80 %), project presentation and approved essay are necessary to obtain the 5 ECTS.
Literature
Last ned
Fakta og priser
Opptakskrav
Admission requirements are that the applicants are registered as PhD students at higher education institutions. If seats are available, applicants who are part of Associate Professor Programs, or have a completed master's degree, may be considered for application. A certificate of the master's degree must be enclosed, as well as a summary, one page, with information about their research interest.
The program might be subject to change. The course is a fully on-campus course observing all necessary infection control measures. Should the pandemic situation change drastically, we will have to reconsider, but we hope and believe we will come together in ‘real life’.
Admission for PhD students from non-Norwegian institutions
For admission, please send an email to erlend.from@vid.no providing the following information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Phone number
- Address
Opptak er lukket

