A Decision Paradigm for Action Research: Problems of Employing the Physically Handicapped

Abstract

In studying the dynamics of a social problem, attitude and opinion surveys are frequently used to obtain information upon which to base a program of action. Such surveys, however, provide data about the direction and intensity of affect toward the issue in question but provide little information upon which to initiate change. Accordingly, a questionnaire based upon a decision theory paradigm was developed which elicits consequences associated with a given course of action and assesses the utility and likelihood of these consequences if the program were to be implemented. Using this questionnaire, data were collected from 132 adult students in a psychology course on the issue of "Employing the Handicapped," and evidence is presented which shows the advantages of this procedure for initiating a successful action program.

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