What type of research is focused on improving services or a program, often viewed as evaluative?

The focus of action research is on improving services or programs through a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. This type of research is inherently evaluative because it seeks to identify problems within a program, implement changes based on those findings, and assess the effectiveness of those changes over time. Action research typically involves collaboration among stakeholders—such as practitioners, researchers, and possibly participants—to ensure that the research is relevant and leads to actionable outcomes.

In contrast, qualitative research primarily aims to understand phenomena through the collection of non-numerical data, exploring underlying reasons and motivations without necessarily focusing on improvement. A pilot study is a preliminary investigation designed to test the feasibility of a research design before conducting larger studies but does not inherently focus on service improvement. Lastly, a longitudinal study observes subjects over a prolonged period to track changes and developments over time, rather than specifically aiming to enhance services or programs. Thus, action research stands out as the most focused approach for program improvement and evaluation.