The concept of action research

TLDR

Action research is recognized for its breadth as a research practice and depth as a theoretical discourse, yet it lacks a single widely accepted definition, a discussion that originates from a working definition developed at an international symposium. The authors aim to explain why action research lacks a single definition and argue that it should be clarified for communication while remaining open for development. They present alternative approaches to resolving the definition issue and advocate a judicious mix of pragmatism and flexibility.

Abstract

Action research has been recognised for its breadth as a field of research practice and its depth as a discourse of theoretical insight. It does not have one neat, widely accepted definition. Points to some reasons for the difficulty of formulating a generally accepted definition of action research, and argues why action research should not be confined but should be both clarified for communication and open for development. The discussion stems from a working definition developed with participants in an international symposium that serves as a classic definition of action research. Presents several alternative approaches to resolution and argues for a judicious mix of pragmatism and flexibility in approaching the definition issue.