City University of Seattle Library: Research Methods and Design: Action Research

Definition

Action research

A type of applied research designed to find the most effective way to bring about a desired social change or to solve a practical problem, usually in collaboration with those being researched.

Methods map—Sage research methods. (n.d.). Retrieved November 15, 2021, from https://methods.sagepub.com/methods-map/action-research

SAGE Research Methods Videos

How do you define action research?

Professor David Coghlan explains action research as an approach that crosses many academic disciplines yet has a shared focus on taking action to address a problem. He describes the difference between this approach and empirical scientific approaches, particularly highlighting the challenge of getting action research to be taken seriously by academic journals

Coghlan Ph.D., D. (Academic). (2017). David Coghlan discusses action research [Video]. SAGE Research Methods Video https://www.doi.org/10.4135/9781473989726

Dr. Nataliya Ivankova defines action research as using systematic research principles to address an issue in everyday life. She delineates the six steps of action research, and illustrates the concept using an anti-diabetes project in an urban area.

Ivankova Ph.D., N. (Academic). (2017). Nataliya Ivankova defines action research [Video]. SAGE Research Methods Video https://www.doi.org/10.4135/9781473964495

This is just one segment in a whole series about action research. You can find the rest of the series in our SAGE database, Research Methods:

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Videos covering research methods and statistics

The SAGE Handbook of Action Research by Hilary Bradbury-Huang (Editor)
ISBN: 9781446294543
The third edition of The SAGE Handbook of Action Research presents an updated version of the bestselling text, including new chapters covering emerging areas in healthcare, social work, education and international development, as well as an expanded 'skills' section which includes new consultant-relevant materials.
Action Learning and Action Research by Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt (Editor); Lesley Wood (Editor)
ISBN: 9781787695382
Action Research (AR) is an ideal methodology to enable practical and emancipatory outcomes, as well as to generate relevant and authentic theory. Consequently, it has gained popularity worldwide. However, this emerging paradigm of AR in the Social Sciences has been widely misunderstood and misused by researchers, educators and practitioners. The integration of Action Learning with Action Research deepens understanding and contributes to new knowledge about the theory, practice and processes of Action Learning (AL) and Action Research (AR).
The Wiley Handbook of Action Research in Education by Craig A. Mertler (Editor)
ISBN: 9781119399964
Comprehensive overview of the theoretical, conceptual, and applied/practical presentations of action research as it is found and conducted solely in educational settings The Wiley Handbook of Action Research in Education is the first book to offer theoretical, conceptual, and applied/practical presentations of action research as it is found and conducted solely in educational settings. Covering primarily PK-12 educational settings, the book utilizes a cross-section of international authors and presentations to provide global perspectives on action research in education.

Research Methods and Design

Definition

Action research

SAGE Research Methods Videos

How do you define action research?

Further Reading