ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors describe action research and outline the origins of the approach as well as its processes and principles. Action research has evolved in several different ways and, in particular, a strand of participatory action research has captured the attention of many scholars. Action research at its heart is about changing and improving practice and understanding of practice through a combination of systematic reflection and strategic innovation. In most cases, action research also contains a knowledge creation element, so that understanding and theory are created through practice. Emancipatory action research ‘promotes emancipatory praxis in the participating practitioners; that is, it promotes a critical consciousness which exhibits itself in political as well as practical action to promote change.’ Researchers use participatory action research to generate knowledge to inform action. Participatory action research seeks to bring about empowering benefits and has often been used to support both social transformation in developing countries and the promotion of human rights activism.
