How a Coding Error Sparked Short-Term Reform at a Custodial Mental Hospital

Authors

  • Robert Sommer

Keywords:

Survey research, serendipity, mental hospital reform, state hospital

Abstract

This article highlights the important role played by the research consultant in action research (AR) with organizations lacking experience in behavioural research. In this case, the consultant helped staff of a custodial mental hospital conduct a community survey. When the consultant departed, hospital staff did not realize that questionnaire items had been counterbalanced. The uproar created by the incorrectly scored items, which cast the hospital in a negative light, resulted in several positive reforms. Without further prodding, most of the reforms proved temporary.

Published

27-06-2013

How to Cite

Sommer, R. (2013). How a Coding Error Sparked Short-Term Reform at a Custodial Mental Hospital. Action Learning and Action Research Journal, 18(2), 69–78. Retrieved from https://alarj.alarassociation.org/index.php/alarj/article/view/54