Abstract
The paper discusses the subject of action research, a term that is used to describe a continuum of activities that focus on research, planning, theorizing, learning and development, and involves a continuous process of research and learning in the researcher's long-term relationship with a problem. This paper reviews the action research and the different cultures of inquiry. An examination of the origins of action research is followed by a discussion concerning how action research fits with the educational system. An analysis of the role action research has played in educational history and the role of teachers is followed by a summary of the research and salient findings in the conclusion.

Outline:
Review and Discussion
Types of Action Research
Goals and Contributions of Action Research
Action Research Steps
Data Collection Methods for Action Researchers
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Although the framework illustrated in Figure 1 above is clear and consistent with basic action research and experiential learning premises, is remains inadequate to specifically address the complex context and requirements of contemporary educational research by distinguishing experiment design and planning from action and data collection (McPherson & Nunes, 2004). These authors maintain that these research stages should be separated from data analysis, interpretation and dissemination, and offer an eight-stage framework developed by Cohen, Manion and Morrison (2000) that provides a much better support for education researchers."

Tags:action, teachers, curriculum

Abstract
This paper explains that the intention behind the affirmative action policy was positive in that its goal was to open doors and equalize opportunities between blacks and whites. The author points out the potentials scenario white Americans would face if affirmative action ceases. The paper relates the history of affirmative action and the litigation and trends toward reverse discrimination (Bakke v. California Board of Regents) and recent US Supreme Court rulings upholding affirmative action policies.

From the Paper
"Affirmative Action as a "policy" was introduced in 1965 by then President Lyndon B. Johnson as a method of redressing discrimination that had persisted in spite of civil rights laws and constitutional guarantees. "This is the next and more profound stage of the battle for civil rights," Johnson asserted. "We seek... not just equality as a right and a theory, but equality as a fact and as a result." (Brunner) Given that the 1960's were a period of social unrest, along with attempts at righting perceived long-term wrongs against minorities. The intention behind the Affirmative Action policy was positive in that its goal was to open doors and equalize opportunities between blacks and whites."

Tags:affirmative, action, impact

Abstract
This paper reviews the debate swirling around affirmative action. In particular, the paper argues that affirmative action contains more benefits than debits and that at least some of the arguments put forward in opposition to it can be successfully rebutted by the available evidence. Specifically, the paper reviews the commonplace criticisms that affirmative action diminishes professional standards and also exacerbates racist and/or sexist attitudes towards certain groups. The paper concludes that the reasons in support of affirmative action are plausible and convincingly supported by the literature.

From the Paper
"For a very long time now, American society has been attempting to come up with a means of ensuring access to higher education and to lucrative jobs for minorities and for women. The most controversial of all the means used has been affirmative action, an approach which has increased the percentage of women and minorities in managerial and professional occupations ("Myth: Affirmative Action Hasn't Worked" n.d.) but has done so, critics charge, by placing people in positions for which they are ill-prepared and/or by discriminating against people simply on the basis of gender or race. Consequently, every failure by someone boosted into a position of authority by affirmative action may actually feed negative stereotypes about the group to which that individual belongs and lead to calls that merit is the greatest victim of affirmative action policies."

Tags:affirmative, action, argument

Abstract
This paper examines the history of affirmative action and contains detailed research explaining the sharp declines in higher education among varying minorities. The author also reviews the pros and cons of this hotly debated topic with extensive research and statistics.
Table of Contents
Abstract
Trends Revealed in Higher Education
College Enrollment
A Brief History of Affirmative Action
Threats to Affirmative Action
Making Affirmative Action Work
Associations and Organizations
Making It Work
Conclusions
Endnotes
References

From the Paper
"In order for us to attain a truly Democratic Society, regardless of political persuasion as Senator Kennedy points out, all Americans shall need to be made aware of and participate in the programs of Affirmative Action and Diversity. We are indeed a nation made up of a "melting pot," of various cultures however we are still true to the founders of this nation and rather than classification into some "politically correct," group much rather prefer to be labeled as Americans from the United States of America. United indeed by our very diversity that we as a nation are finally after many, many years of struggle one "Great Society," as envisioned by former President Johnson and every one of his predecessors and successors to hold the high office of President of the United States of America."

Tags:affirmative, action, education, minorities, law, rights

Abstract
In this paper, the writer examines affirmative action. In this look at affirmative action, the writer confirms that if racial equality is to be achieved in the United States, some form of affirmative action plan must remain in effect. The writer claims that this has been proven in California and Texas, where the abandonment of affirmative action in higher education has resulted in smaller minority student populations at top-tier institutions.

From the Paper
"The debate over affirmative action is unique in that it turns upon a philosophical paradox. The goal of affirmative action is after all ultimately to make itself unnecessary. In this affirmative action attempts to level the playing field at early stages in primary education, in social welfare programs etc. so that subsequent affirmative action at later stages in the work force at graduate schools etc. is unnecessary. Further affirmative action aims to bring about its own demise in other ways even at the earliest ... "

Tags:affirmative action, california, texas, equality of opportunity, egalitarianism

Abstract
The paper explains that action research is a contemporary area of scientific and sociological inquiry where behaviors, attitudes, preferences, and subsequent actions of a given individual or population are studied (Firestone, 1987). The paper discusses how change is made based upon the review of these practices, where a specific action or a plan of action is put into place as a means of affecting a desired outcome.

From the Paper
"Action research is a contemporary area of scientific and sociological inquiry where behaviors, attitudes, preferences, and subsequent actions of a given individual or population are studied (Firestone, 1987). Change is made based upon the review of these practices, where a specific action or a plan of action is put into place as a means of affecting a desired outcome. This paper shall briefly discuss the theoretical and methodological foundations of action research.

Tags:action, research, lewin

Abstract
This paper is a historical analysis of affirmative action in the United States. It covers the period from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the leaders involved in the decision to pass this amendment to the Constitution, and the motivation behind this historic decision. It then compares the policies of more recent years, and shows how the intentions of the originators of this Act have been manipulated, and how the group that it was intended to benefit from these actions, are now suffering reverse discrimination.

From the paper:

"The Declaration of Independence states, "all men are created equal." Our Constitution is based on giving each citizen the same equal rights. However, policies have been implemented since 1961 to go against the words of the founding fathers of this country. Affirmative action is, by definition, "a policy or program for correcting the effects of discrimination in the employment or education of members of certain groups" or "encouragement for increased representation of women and minority-group members, especially in employment." Problems associated with affirmative action include reverse discrimination. Also, merit and accomplishments may be replaced by the requirement of a quota for a certain race or gender."

Tags:affirmative, action, civil, rights, kennedy, california, conservative, blacks, eeoc, johnson, race, gender, supreme, court, georgia, maryland, poor, classes, college

Abstract
This paper describes the many different contexts in which action research occurs. These include urban communities to private spaces, from ministerial offices to individual school districts. The paper further notes that because action research is so prevalent in education today, it would be prudent to focus on a handful of core concepts involved and use personal insights to clarify and make these concepts timely and relevant. The paper gives a brief history on the development of action research.

From the Paper
"Action research occurs in many different contexts from urban communities to private spaces, from ministerial offices to individual school districts. Because action research is so prevalent in education today, it would be prudent to focus on a handful of core concepts involved and use personal insights to clarify and make these concepts timely and relevant. Action research was pioneered by Kurt Lewin (1946, 1947) who advocated a rigorous, scientific method "for understanding social events, and for planning social action" (Lewin 1947) As such, action research simply can not be done in a lab. Rather, the whole point of action research is to..."

Tags:action, research, thoughts

Abstract
This essay defines and explains four types of affirmative action, ranging from mild to severe, discusses common opinions regarding AA, and examines philosophical arguments for and against AA The four sources quoted in the essay are all philosophers, and their positions and rationale on the issue of affirmative action are explained. At the end of the essay the author indicates her own position on the morality and justice of AA programs, coming out in favor of affirmative action.

From the Paper
"One of the primary values of American society today is equal opportunity, and while there is still far to go true progress is occurring. Second, within a few years society will realize that the debate over weak and strong AA is simply diverting attention from the real issues: providing every child in America with the same quality education, health care services, and working to strengthen families."

Tags:action, affirmative, discrimination, racism

Abstract
This paper examines affirmative action and its impact upon the wage gap found among various groups. The paper makes the assertion that while the initiative has met with some success, it is evident that various groups continue to lag behind. The paper looks at the advances that have taken place in recent decades as well as at the areas - mostly in enforcing compliance - where it appears affirmative action is not eliminating workplace discrimination; the paper also suggests that corporate cultures need to change. Finally, the paper concludes by offering a solution to the enforcement issues plaguing affirmative action in America.

Tags:affirmative, action, wages