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Research Methodologies for the Creative Arts & Humanities: Action Research

Action Research

Definitions:

“Action research is research done by the practitioner in order to improve his/her working conditions or efficacy.  The purpose of the research is to solve a problem the worker/practitioner is having or to investigate a phenomena he/she has noticed in the course of his/her working life.”

See Action-based research (2013)

Action research is often used in educational settings but can apply elsewhere:

“Action research is a form of investigation designed for use by teachers to attempt to solve problems and improve professional practices in their own classrooms. It involves systematic observations and data collection which can then be used by the practitioner-researcher in reflection, decision-making and the development of more effective classroom strategies.”

See  Parsons & Brown (2002)