What is action research? Explain.

Action research is a participatory and iterative research approach that combines inquiry and action to address practical problems or challenges in real-world settings. Developed in the mid-20th century by Kurt Lewin and further elaborated by researchers such as Stephen Corey, action research emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and social change. It is characterized by its cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting, which allows researchers and practitioners to learn from experience and make informed decisions to improve practice and achieve desired outcomes.

The key features of action research include:

1. Collaborative Inquiry: Action research involves collaboration between researchers and practitioners, who work together to identify, analyze, and address practical problems or challenges within their own context. This collaborative inquiry fosters partnership, shared ownership, and mutual learning, as stakeholders bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and insights to the research process.

2. Cyclical Process: Action research follows a cyclical process of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting, known as the "action research cycle." This iterative process allows for ongoing learning and adaptation, as researchers and practitioners engage in successive cycles of inquiry and action to refine strategies, address emerging issues, and achieve desired outcomes.

3. Practical Orientation: Action research is oriented towards practical problem-solving and improvement of practice in real-world settings. It aims to generate actionable knowledge and solutions that can inform decision-making, enhance performance, and bring about positive change. By focusing on concrete problems and contexts, action research promotes relevance, applicability, and impact in practice.

4. Participatory Action: Action research is characterized by its participatory and democratic approach to research and decision-making. It empowers participants to actively engage in the research process, contribute their expertise and insights, and shape the direction and outcomes of the research. This participatory ethos promotes ownership, empowerment, and social justice, as stakeholders collaborate as equal partners in the research endeavor.

5. Reflective Practice: Action research emphasizes reflective practice, whereby researchers and practitioners critically examine their assumptions, beliefs, and actions in light of their experiences and observations. Reflection allows for deeper understanding, self-awareness, and learning, enabling participants to identify underlying issues, challenge dominant narratives, and generate new perspectives and possibilities for action.

6. Context Sensitivity: Action research recognizes the importance of context in shaping problems, solutions, and outcomes. It acknowledges the unique socio-cultural, political, and organizational dynamics of each setting and seeks to tailor interventions and strategies to fit the specific needs and realities of the context. This context sensitivity enhances the relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability of action research initiatives.

7. Ethical Considerations: Action research upholds ethical principles of respect, integrity, and accountability in research practice. It prioritizes the well-being and rights of participants, ensures informed consent, confidentiality, and transparency in data collection and analysis, and seeks to minimize harm and maximize benefits for all stakeholders involved.

Overall, action research offers a dynamic and participatory approach to addressing practical problems and promoting positive change in diverse contexts. By combining inquiry and action, collaboration and reflection, action research empowers individuals and communities to transform their realities, improve practice, and create more equitable and sustainable futures.