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J. L. Moreno
Was the first to use terms such as inter-action research and action research -
John Dewey
Began incorporating science into the practice by pointing out that “all inquiry involves both common sense and science” -
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Kurt Lewin
- He was the first to study action research
- He considered the improvement of social situations as an aim of the research
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Kurt Lewin
- He was the first to study action research
- He considered the improvement of social situations as an aim of the research
- That is, the ideas and strategies of previous research such as Moreno and Dewey constituted the impetus for the action research paradigm developed by Lewin.
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John Collier
- Collier focused on the understanding and application of action research within local communities. His approach involved the active engagement of researchers and social values favoring a democratic society.
- Unfortunately, his ideas, compared to Lewin, were not fully developed and subsequently enjoyed less impact than Lewin’s theory.
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Stephen Corey
- He first coined the term ‘action research’ in the field of education.
- His contribution has improved educational practices and furthered action research as an educational/pedagogical method.
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Period: to
From 1950s to 1960s - criticism
- History hasn’t always been rosy for action research.
- Action research was in decline due to criticism that it was unscientific, and only based on common sense. Some experimental researchers described it as the work of amateurs.
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Paulo Freire
Freire introduce critical pedagogy to action research by advocating for the oppresses to actively participate in the research, which had made profound influence among educational researchers. -
Lawrence Stenhouse
- He initiated “teacher-as-researcher movement” in UK.
- His contribution in the development of action research including demystifying and democratizing action research; introducing action research to a broader audience as a professional development too.
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Action research began to gain popularity
- It offers researchers, who are interested in developing a deep understanding of and finding a solution for real-life problems, an alternative in conducting research and/or improving their own practice.
- It also helps researchers, practitioners, organizations, and communities to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
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Paul Oquist
He introduced five epistemological positions:
- Empiricism
- Logical positivism
- Structuralism
- Pragmatism
- Dialectical materialism -
John Elliot
Elliott's methodology stresses continuous evolution and reinterpretation of the initial objective through a recurrent sequence of surveys. Reconnaissance entails some level of analysis. -
Carr and Kemmis
Action research is simply a form of self-reflective inquiry undertaken by participants in social situations in order to improve the rationality and justice of their own practices, their understanding of these practices, and the situations in which the practices are carried out. -
Bogdan and Biklen
They define action research as a “systematic collection of information that is designed to bring about social change” -
O’Brien
Stephen O'Brien
- If it is considered that action research entails learning by doing.
- Real situations rather than experimental studies due to the fact that it focuses on solving real problems -
Geoffrey E. Mills
Known for its practical, step-by-step guidance for teachers on how to do research in classrooms. -
O'Leary Z.
- The cycles converge toward a better knowledge of the issue and improved action implementation; and are built on evaluative practice that alternates between action and critical reflection.
- O'Leary viewed action research as an experiential learning approach to change, to continuously refine techniques, data, and interpretation in light of the understanding gained in previous cycles.
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Richard Sagor
He describes action research as investigations performed by and for the individuals who are taking action to guide their future activities. -
Hilary Bradbury
She emphasizes integrating scholarship, developmental reflexivity and social learning as “Action Research for Transformations” (ART). -
Nashruddin and Ningtyas
- Action research is more applicable than research defined in traditional senses.
- Action research is applied to increase the teaching and learning process, reflective practice, and critical, and creative thinking.