WRITING AN
ACTION RESEARCH REPORT
CHAPTER 9
CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC WRITING
• When writing an action research report, follow style guide
• Instructional manual providing authors with requirements for stylistic matter
• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA Manual)
• Conventions of academic-style writing
• Agreed-on procedures that help ensure readability and credibility of written
research reports
• Titles
• Initial screening mechanism for those considering reading your work
• Should clearly indicate what the study, report are about
• Grab your readers’ attention
CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC WRITING
• Person and voice
• Written as objectively as possible
• Typically use third-person pronouns (appears less subjective)
• Qualitative research is exception to this rule
• Active voice is more appropriate than passive voice
• Tense
• Typically written in past tense (study has already been conducted)
• Some sections (description of current situation or problem; recommendations) written
in present tense
• Tentative vs. definitive statements
• State definitively—methodological aspects of study; results
• State tentatively—conclusions; implications
CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC WRITING
• Clarity
• Crucial aspect—should be written clearly enough for another person to read and to
duplicate methodological steps
• Use few words, simple terminology (when feasible)
• Organize report in logical format; use headings and subheadings
• Consistency
• Be consistent throughout; use same acronyms, abbreviations, formatting
• Simplicity of language
• Reports should be written in simple, straightforward style
• Avoid overuse of adjectives, adverbs
• Keep your message short and simple
CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC WRITING
• Conventions of format
• Generic outline for research reports:
• Introduction
• Review of related literature
• Methodology
• Results
• Conclusions and recommendations
• References
• Length of entire report will differ with purpose (e.g., thesis, journal article,
conference presentation)
CONVENTIONS OF ACADEMIC WRITING
• Conventions of format
• Sections of action research reports may not be labeled as such; may look more
like the following:
• Introduction
• Review of related literature/information
• Description of innovation/intervention
• Data collection
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Conclusions
• Reflection and action plan
ETHICS AND WRITING
• When writing, should strive to protect rights and welfare of research
participants (APA)
• Ensure data and results are not falsified or fabricated
• Protect confidentiality
• Limit descriptions
• Remove explanations of non-essential characteristics
• Use pseudonyms
• Avoid bias
• “Gender” versus “sex”
• Avoid labels as nouns
• Use person-first language
GUIDELINES FOR WRITING
• Practical guidelines for writing
• Establish a writing routine
• Try to write at the same time every day
• Write as if you are talking to a friend
• Begin with an outline and organize your thoughts accordingly
• Don’t worry (initially) about spelling, grammar, or how report reads
• Writing a first draft is the first step in the writing process
• Develop a realistic writing schedule and timeline
ACTION RESEARCH CHECKLIST 9
Action Research Checklist 9:
Writing an Action Research Report
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Develop a plan for writing a report of your action research study.
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Identify your intended audience (e.g., other educators, administrators, school board members, etc.).
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Identify a possible outlet for your report (e.g., journal, newsletter, etc.).
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Develop an outline of the major headings and subheadings of your report.
Establish a writing routine that works for you; try to “carve out” some common time each day to write.
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Once you’ve done this, develop a writing schedule, or timeline, to keep you focused on achieving your goal of a
complete action research report.
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Remember to write in somewhat of a conversational style, as if you are talking to a friend or colleague.
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As you write, focus on simply filling in the sections of your original outline.
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Find someone to serve as an editor or proofreader who can give you honest feedback on your writing.
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Revise your report, as appropriate.
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Submit your manuscript for possible publication!