Expanding the Action Project Method to Encompass Comparative Analyses

Abstract

This article is an exploration of the possibility and pragmatics of conducting between-groups comparative analysis in action theory and the action project method of qualitative research. After establishing the need for such a procedure and describing the compatibility of these analyses with the paradigm assumptions of action theory, the authors describe a specific set of procedures for conducting qualitative comparisons within the action project method. They also discuss limitations of the procedure and future directions for continuing the expansion of methods of comparison in qualitative research. Finally, they present a case illustration of the use of this comparative analysis method.

The Early Stages of the Transition to Adulthood: Similarities and Differences between Mother-Daughter and Mother-Son Dyads

“…Data were analyzed using Domene and Young's (2008) procedures for conducting comparative qualitative analysis within the action-project method. This began by identifying potentially important dimensions to attend to when scrutinizing the data from previous related research (Domene et al 2007;Young et al 2008).…”

Using Contextual Action Theory for conceptualization and research on adolescent development

“…The method allows for the description of the joint actions and projects a person and those who are connected to them in some way engage in while addressing situations and events in their everyday lives. Although the A-PM was originally developed in the fields of vocational and health psychology, applications to other domains of research have been successfully executed, including: research with families and intimate relationships, for example, friendships, parent-child relationships; counselling and clinical psychology, for example, suicide, anorexia nervosa, bereavement, addiction, agency and unconscious processes in counselling; and the transition to adulthood (e.g., Domene & Young, 2008;Marshall et al, 2012). As detailed descriptions of the method have been provided elsewhere (e.g., Marshall et al, 2012;Young et al, 1994;Wall et al, 2016), the main features and procedures and analysis are introduced briefly here.…”

“…The purpose of the method is to explain or describe action rather than predict future behaviour. No strength or direction of relationship between variables is established, and no underlying cause for the differences observed between individuals is identified (Domene & Young, 2008). Description is achieved by accessing the social, manifest and subjective processes underlying individual and joint actions.…”

La prostitution en situation de rue

“…L'analyse des trajectoires vise ici à comprendre comment s'insère, dans le parcours des jeunes femmes en situation de rue, le recours à la prostitution. Enfin, une analyse comparative entre deux groupes de jeunes femmes a été réalisée (Domene et Young, 2008). Les groupes ont d'abord été formés selon une différence empirique (dans ce cas-ci, leur recours ou non à la prostitution).…”

“…Les groupes ont d'abord été formés selon une différence empirique (dans ce cas-ci, leur recours ou non à la prostitution). Une analyse transversale de chacun des groupes a ensuite permis d'identifier les thèmes et les tendances générales qui prédominent dans chacun des groupes (Domene et Young, 2008). Cette analyse comparative a permis de confronter les trajectoires des jeunes femmes afin d'identifier les éléments qui différencient celles qui ont eu recours ou qui n'ont pas eu recours à la prostitution, un angle d'étude novateur qui, à notre connaissance, a peu été adopté dans les travaux qualitatifs sur la prostitution en situation de rue chez les jeunes femmes.…”