KAQF

=KAQF for Action Research=

The first phase of the Action Research cycle is evaluate the effects of past actions (or learn about the evaluations others have done) and inquire more broadly so as to fill in relevant background. The KAQF framework helps you organize your thinking and research keeping an eye on what you might do/propose/plan on the basis of the results.

Print out the chart below. Start with a Knowledge claim //OR// with a proposed Action //OR// with a Question for inquiry you wish to consider. Then fill in the rest of the KAQF that connects with that starting point. E.g., if you entered a proposed Action, then write down what knowledge claim(s) this Action is based on. Then move forward to identify Questions for Inquiry that follow and how you would Find out the answer to the Question.

Use the additional questions in parentheses and another person as your sounding board to check your thinking. E.g., is the research you are formulating related to the problem(s) behind your Action Research, including developing a constituency to act on any findings or proposals you come up with? If the connection isn't clear, go back and revise.

When you have completed this sequence as well as you can for one starting point, draw a line and start another. Do not mix KAQFs from different starting points into one omnibus sequence because that doesn't help you keep clear how a K matches an A matches a Q matches an F. Similarly, start another sequence as additional Knowledge claims, Action proposals, or Questions for inquiry occur to you and emerge from checking your thinking on the previous sequences.

After you have many KAQF sequences, prioritize the research you need to do (that is, your F) and start it—or plan how you would do it.

(See Framework for Exchange and Inquiry for elaboration of the KAQ framework.)

What do we **K**now? > (Q: How do you Know that? -- What's the evidence, assumptions, and reasoning?)
 * **KAQF chart**

> (Q: Which people or group?)
 * A**ction: What actions could people pursue on the basis of accepting this knowledge?


 * Q**uestions for Inquiry: What more do we Need to know—in order to clarify what people could do or to revise/refine the knowledge

How to **F**ind this out? (Methods, Steps..) > (Q: Will your method of research best enable you to Find this out?) ||