Action research

1. ACTION
RESEARCH
Presentation by Group 1

2. ACTION
RESEARCH:
Action research is a research
method that aims to
simultaneously investigate and
solve an issue. In other words,
as its name suggests, action
research conducts research and
takes action at the same time.

3. CYCLE OF ACTION OR
A CYCLE OF
INQUIRY:

4. General Theory on Action Research
Theories
Action Research theories are based on a cyclical and
participatory process to solve problems and continuously
improve practice. The main idea is that researchers don’t
just analyze a situation—they actively take part in creating
change.

5. Over time, different
theorists have developed
models that structure this
process. While each
theory has its own
approach, they all share
key principles:
Cycle of Action and Reflection:
Research is not linear but a repetitive
process of planning, action, observation,
and adjustment.
Active Participation:
Those involved in the problem also
participate in the solution, making it a
collaborative method.
Continuous Improvement:
The goal is to optimize practice based on
experience and results.

6. Kurt Lewin’s Theory (1946)
Considered the father of Action Research.
Proposed a three-phase cycle:
1.Unfreezing: Identifying the problem.
2.Changing: Implementing actions.
3.Refreezing: Evaluating and adjusting.
Emphasizes active participation and social change.
Elliott’s Theory (1991)
• Mainly applied in education.
• Views research as a flexible process where
teachers experiment with their practice and
improve it over time.
• Does not follow a rigid model but adapts steps
according to the situation.

7. ACTION
RESEARCH
STAGES:

8. 1. THE PLANNING STAGE

9. 2. THE ACTING STAGE

10. 3. THE DEVELOPING STAGE

11. 4. THE REFLECTING STAGE

13. TOOLS
• Structured and
unstructured interviews
• Life stories
• Autobiographies
• Anecdotes
• Diaries

14. CHARACTERISTICS
• Continuous cycle
• Active participation
• Collaborative approach
• Focus on improvement
• Critical reflection
• Flexible adaptation
• Practical application

15. THEORETICAL
BASIS
Action research is an
approach for investigating
questions and finding
solutions to problems that
people confront in their
everyday lives (Moen and
Solvberg 2012; Stringer
2014). Although most
frequently associated with
educational research, action
research is practiced within
a number of diverse
disciplines (Mills 2014; Sagor
2011; Shanks, Miller and
The AR process itself has been characterized as
a spiral or cycle of movements between action
and research
(Kemmis and McTaggart 1988; Burns 1999).
As the researcher plans and undertakes actions
to enhance the current situation,
she also deliberately observes and documents
what happens as a result of these actions.
Often, the results of changes are unpredictable
and reveal new or unexpected avenues for
further action, which is then observed and
documented further. Although more complex
and extended descriptions of the steps in AR
have been proposed (e.g., Burns 1999; Cohen,
Manion, and Morrison 2000; Hopkins 1993;
McNiff 1988)

16. THANK YOU