Action research

Action research combines implementing a change in educational practice with greater understanding of the various factors that enable and constrain the change. The potential usefulness of the findings from action research depends on the process of conducting the research, including the quality of data collection and analysis. There are two main types of action research: individual and participatory. A key aspect of action research is critical reflection. Action research has several phases and usually more than one cycle. The use of qualitative and quantitative research methods should follow recommended guidance on data collection and analysis to ensure that appropriate validity and reliability are achieved. This is essential if action research is to be more widely disseminated, especially for submission for publication. The chapter then discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the action research. Action research plays an important role in primary care education research by combining implementation and greater understanding.