2. Background
Action research (AR) is a specific research approach used for improving knowledge and practice in health care and other disciplines. It is essentially research or inquiry carried out during, and by those undertaking a particular action. That is to say providing an intervention for change and collecting evidence on the effectiveness of the intervention at the same time. Unlike many other forms of research, where the researcher specifically distances themselves from the intervention, here the researchers are often involved in both.
Action research is generally a cyclical process, in which the results of the research from one cycle of intervention, are used to refine the intervention for subsequent cycles of investigation.
Another main characteristic of Action Research is that it is often very collaborative and participatory in nature, involving teams of individuals working together to improve practice.
