1) Action research is a method used by practitioners, such as healthcare workers and educators, to examine their own practices and solve problems in real-world situations. It involves systematic inquiry, data collection, analysis, action planning, implementation, and reflection to improve practices. 2) Key characteristics of action research include that it emerges from issues of concern to people in a social setting, has a practical focus of recognizing problems and acting to change them, is small-scale and context-specific, and involves cycles of action and reflection. 3) Benefits of action research include gaining research skills, increasing critical reflection of one's own practice, leading to professional and personal development, bringing positive changes to practices and institutions, and

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Action research –
which is also known as Participatory Action Research (PAR), community-based
study, co-operative enquiry, action science and action learning – is an approach
commonly used for improving conditions and practices in a range healthcare
environments .It is not certain who invented action research. Corey defined action
research as the process through which practitioners study their own practice to solve
their personal practical problems. Schmuck (1997) defines action research as an
attempt to “study a real school situation with a view to improve the quality of actions
and results within it” (p. 28). Its purpose is also to improve one’s own professional
judgment and to give insight into better, more effective means of achieving desirable
educational outcomes.The creation of the process is often attributed to Lewin (1946),
and whilst he appears to have been the first to publish his work using the term, he may
have earlier encountered it in Germany from work performed in Vienna in 1913
(Altrichterand Gestettner,1992).
Action research is used in real situations, rather than in artificial, experimental studies,
since its chief emphasis is on problemsolving. However, it can be used by social
scientists for preliminary or pilot study, especially in a very ambiguous situation to
frame a precise research question. Usually, it is chosen when circumstances require
flexibility, the involvement of the people in the research, or change must take place
quickly or holistically. Generally, this approach is adopted by practitioners who wish
to improve understanding of their practice, by social change activists trying to mount
an action campaign, or by academics who have been invited into an organization (or
other domain) by decision-makers aware of a problem requiring action research, but
lacking the requisite methodological knowledge to deal with it.
1)A definition by Brown and Dowling says that,“Action research is a term which is
applied to projects in which practitioners seek to effect transformations in their own
practices …”.
2)It is a definition by Kemmis“ action research is an identification of strategies of
planned action which are implemented, and then systematically submitted to
observation, reflection and change”.

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3)“Action research is a form of action inquiry that employs recognised research
techniques to inform the action taken to improve practice”,
It involves a research conducting systematic enquiries in order to help them improve
their own practices, which in turn can enhance their working environment and the
working environments of those who are part of it. The purpose of undertaking action
research is to bring about change in specific contexts, as Parkin (2009) describes it.
Through their observations and communications with other people, healthcare
workers are continually making informal evaluations and judgements about what it is
they do. The difference between this and carrying out an action research project is that
during the process researchers will need to develop and use a range of skills to
achieve their aims, such as careful planning, sharpened observation and listening,
evaluation, and critical reflection.Meyer maintains that action research’s strength lies
in its focus on generating solutions to practical problems and its ability to empower
practitioners, by getting them to engage with research and the subsequent
development or implementation activities. Meyer states that practitioners can choose
to research their own practice or an outside researcher can be engaged to help to
identify any problems, seek and implement practical solutions, and systematically
monitor and reflect on the process and outcomes of change.
All the participating researchers will ideally have to be involved in the process of data
collection, data analysis, planning and implementing action, and validating evidence
and critical reflection, before applying the findings to improve their own practice or
the effectiveness of the system within which they work.
Purposes of conducting action research -
Action research supports practitioners in seeking out ways in which they can provide
an enhanced quality of a particular field/occupation/service/job, etc. With this purpose
in mind, the following features of the action research approach are worthy of
consideration :
• Action research is a method used for improving practice. It involves action,
evaluation, and critical reflection and – based on the evidence gathered – changes in
practice are then implemented.
• Action research is participative and collaborative; it is undertaken by individuals
with a common purpose.

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• It is situation-based and context specific.
• It develops reflection based on interpretations made by the participants. •
Knowledge is created through action and at the point of application. • Action research
can involve problem solving, if the solution to the problem leads to the improvement
of practice.
• In action research findings will emerge as action develops, but these are not
conclusive or absolute.It is aimed at finding a remedy to problems in specific
situations or for improving a given set of circumstances.
Characteristics of Action Research -
1)It emerges from concrete problems, issues, puzzles or questions that are of
prominence and concern to the people involved within their own social setting. These
people may include teachers, students, administrators, parents, curriculum developers,
teacher-educators and so on. It has a practical focus. It emerges from the
educator-
2)It has a practical focus, i.e. the action component which comprises of recognizing
the area of concern and acting to change it. This means acting to improve something
or to do something more effectively, and systematically observing the effects of the
action, i.e. the resea
3)It is customarily small-scale, focusing on indigenous needs and the immediate
context.
It does not endeavour to control that environment, but looks at how issues can be
addressed as they exist in that environment.
4) d outcomes of the research should relate to the goals, values and
beliefs of the people in the environment and be compatible with their social and
The methods should be feasible and within the scope of the researcher’s usual practice.
5) It involves cycles of action and reflection which are linked and which include
problem identification, systematic data collection, reflection, analysis, data-driven
action taking and problem redefinition.
6) It is a reflective activity which brings to light unconscious ways of doing things
and enables the researcher to develop personal theories or theories shared by groups

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7) It is deliberate, solution-oriented investigation that is group or personally owned
8) It is participant-
9)
10) It is context-
11)
12) It leads to a sharing of research findings and benefits.
According to Borgia and Schuler (1996), following are the components of action
research known as the “Five Cs”
1) Commitment: Time commitment should be carefully considered by participants of
action research since it takes them time to get acquainted with other participants, think
2) Collaboration: In an action research, all participants are equal to each other in
terms of giving ideas, suggestions or anything that leads to su
3) Concern: In the research process, participants will build up a group of “critical
friends” who trust each other and the value of the project. 4)Consideration: Reflective
practice is a mindful review of a professional research like action research. It demands
attentiveness and cautious deliberation as one seeks patterns and relationships that
4) Change: For human beings, especially teachers, change is continuing and it is a
significant element in ensuring their effectiveness.
Benefits of Action Research -
1. Action research provides an opportunity to gain knowledge and skill in research
methods and applications and to become more aware of the options and possibilities
for change.
2. Persons participating in action research become more critical and reflective about
their own practice.
3. It leads to practitioners’ own professional and personal self-development.
4. It brings about changes in educational and/or managerial practices in a positive
manner through the feedback based on research findings.
5. It generates a continuous cycle of development and change benefiting the entire
institution.

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6. The practitioner himself/herself is the researcher. This participation in the research
process not only enhances his/her knowledge, self-esteem and esteem of others but
also makes the entire research process democratic.
7. Use of data rather than preferences or hunches in guiding improvement efforts
makes the process of action research more scientific.
8. It develops a culture of inquiry in the school.