ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an overview to set the scene, then subsequent chapters deal with each issue in a more detailed way. First of all a comprehensive definition:
Action research is an investigation, where, as a result of rigorous self-appraisal of current practice, the researcher focuses on a ‘problem’ (or a topic or an issue which needs to be explained), and on the basis of information (about the up-to-date state of the art, about the people who will be involved and about the context), plans, implements, then evaluates an action then draws conclusions on the basis of the findings.
(Macintyre 1991)