Action Research

Description of Action Research. Explanation.

Definition Action Research. Description.

Action Research is a (often) cyclic process by social psychologist Kurt Lewin ('47) for intentional learning from experience. The method is characterized by intervention in real world systems followed by close scrutiny of the effects. Its aim is to improve practice and it is typically conducted by a combined team of practitioners and researchers.

AR is a three-step spiral process of 1. planning which involves reconnaissance; 2. taking actions; and 3. fact-finding about the results of the action. (Kurt Lewin, 1947)

AR is the process by which practitioners attempt to study their problems Scientifically in order to guide, correct, and evaluate their decisions and actions. (Stephen Corey, 1953)

It is an informal, qualitative, interpretive, reflective, collaborative and experimental methodology that requires all the participants to be collaborative researchers. AR is carried out by people who usually recognize a problem or limitation in their workplace situation and, together, devise a plan to counteract the problem, implement the plan, observe what happens, reflect on these outcomes, revise the plan, implement it, reflect, revise and so on.

In a way the AR method combines the strengths of academic research (objective, scientific, but not necessarily relevant) and consulting research (often subjective and case-based, often not very scientific, but tuned towards relevancy).

A typical action research cycle:

Data Collection â Evaluation â Action â Critical Reflection â Data Collection â Evaluation â ...

or:

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End of description Action Research. An explanation.