Action research is the process of systematically collecting research data about an ongoing system relative to some objective, goal, or need of that system; feeding these data back into the system; taking actions by altering selected variables within the system based both on the data and on hypothesis; and evaluating the results of actions by collecting more data (French and Bell, 1999, p.130).
Action research takes its cues�its questions, puzzles, and problems�from the perceptions of practitioners within particular, local practice contexts. It bounds episodes of research according to the boundaries of the local context. It builds descriptions and theories within the practice context itself, and tests them there through intervention experiments�that is, through experiments that bear the double burden of testing hypothesis and effecting some (putatively) desirable change in the situation (Argyris & Schon 1989, p.613).
Gajda, R. and Koliba, C. 2007. Evaluating the Imperative of Intra-Organizational Collaboration: A School Improvement Perspective. American Journal of Evaluation.28(1). 26-44.
Koliba, C. and Lathrop, J. 2007. Inquiry as Intervention: Employing Action Research to Support an Organization�s Capacity to Learn. Administration & Society. 39(1). 51-76.
Westdijk, K. and Koliba, C. 2007. Collecting Data to Inform Decision-Making and Action: Research and Planning for School-Wide Faculty Civic Engagement. International Service-Learning Research Conference. Tampa, FL.
Koliba, C. and Bradley, O. 2007. Making Meaning of Data: Utilizing Action Research Findings. American Society for Public Administration. Annual Conference. Washington, D.C.
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