Action Research Guide

A skill for designing and conducting action research (AR), participatory action research (PAR), and community-based participatory research (CBPR). Covers the cyclical AR process, stakeholder engagement, data collection within action cycles, and balancing rigor with practical impact.

What Is Action Research?

Defining Characteristics

Action research is research conducted WITH and FOR participants,
not ON them. It aims to produce both practical improvements and
new knowledge simultaneously.

Key principles:
  1. Collaboration: Researchers and participants work as partners
  2. Cyclical process: Plan -> Act -> Observe -> Reflect -> Repeat
  3. Practical focus: Solving a real problem in a real setting
  4. Democratic: Participants have voice in research design
  5. Reflexive: Ongoing critical reflection on the process