THE ROLE OF RESEARCH IN ACTION PROGRAMS: THE 'LAMPPOST' APPROACH TO ACTION RESEARCH.
Abstract
The research function should not be put into the position of becoming an advocate in matters of policy-making or in the establishment of political and strategic courses of action. The research function should be able to provide information useful in the making of intelligent decisions on policy and strategy - and should be requested and held responsible for providing such information. It should not, however, be expected to provide such data after the fact, carefully tailored to rationalize decisions already made. The research man should be expected to compromise his function by becoming an apologist for the administration. Unfortunately, this is exactly the position that many so-called 'research directors' are forced into when they must operate within the staff or line organization of an action agency. As professionals, they usually possess unique knowledge of and skills in such areas as systematic planning, program design, and the assessment of program effectiveness. Moreover, as researchers, they are undoubtedly the best person to recognize and call attention to research needs in the program and to interpret research findings to program management. However, when functioning in such capacities, the role of the research director is primarily that of administrator or coordinator rather than that of researcher. It is the position of this paper that these essentially antithetical and usually conflicting roles be recognized for what they are, not only for the good of the program and its management, but also in the interests of effective and realistic research and evaluation. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 03, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0635201
Entities
People
- Alfred P. Parsell
Organizations
- System Development Corporation