Action research directly addresses the divide between theory and practice by integrating the development of practice with the construction of research knowledge through a cyclical process. It involves researching problems from within social settings, carried out by participants themselves or in collaboration with researchers. Action research is reflective, qualitative, problem-solving and aims to have an immediate impact through deepening understanding and developing strategies for improvement. It was pioneered in the 1940s-50s and widely applied to educational research to understand and improve one's own practice. There are different approaches to action research focusing on the professional, personal or political dimensions.

1. ACTION RESEARCH

2. WHAT IS ACTION RESEARCH
Action research directly addresses the problem of the division
between theory and practice
Rather than research being a linear process of producing
knowledge which is later applied to practice settings, action
research integrates the development of practice with the
construction of research knowledge in a cyclical process
Research from inside the social setting carried out either by the
participants themselves or researchers working in collaboration
with them
Participatory action research

3. CHARACTERISTICS
Ideology- empowering, participatory, collaborative, democratic, liberating,
inclusive, emancipatory, enhancing diversity, multiplicity, passionate
Reflective, communicative, qualitative, soft, dynamic, contextual
As a methodology-always rooted in the values of the participants,
naturalistic, interpretive, constructivist, problem solving, pragmatic
philosophy
Does not start with a research question, It has an immediate impact
Driving force will be an impetus for change/innovation through deepening the
participants’ understanding of social processes and developing research
strategies to bring about improvement

4. Lewi- 1940s and 50s- psychologist refugee from Germany- worked with
community groups in the USA to resolve social problems such as prejudice
Lewis theory of action research- divides work into distinct stages within a
series of cycles
starting with “reconnaissance” and moving on to the collection of data,
analysis and development of ‘hypotheses’ to inform action
second cycle- hypotheses are tested practice and changes are evaluated-
does not come to a natural end
From 1950s- wide application in educational research- to understand and
improve one’s own practice
ORIGIN

6. APPROACHES TO ACTION
RESEARCH
According to Noffke (1997), three dimensions;
The professional- improving what is offered to clients in
professional settings
The personal- developing greater self-knowledge and
deeper understanding of one’s own practice
The political- social action to combat oppression

7. APPROACHES TO ACTION
RESEARCH
Grundy (1982)- suggesting a hierarchy of status based on
Aristotle’s Ethics
The technical- focuses upon making a better product
The practical- focuses upon developing practical judgement of
the participant- researcher grounded in experience and self
reflection
The critical- emancipatory action research- more powerful than
the other two- to emancipate the participants from the dictates of
compulsion tradition, habit, coercion etc