Action research: Theory and practice

Action research is explored from a range of perspectives, related to both theory and practice. The complexity of the method, where there is a range of approaches, is emphasised. The chapter defines and positions action research, highlighting the components most commonly emphasised in the literature. It harks back to the original concepts of the founder of action research, Kurt Lewin, and offers a diagrammatic presentation of his action research spiral. The ways in which action research has been used in the information fields provide a highlight. Three different projects are described: one where academic researchers worked with practitioners to assist students to avoid plagiarism; practitioner action research to develop information literacy in the electronic age; and an example from the information systems field, where action research is used to investigate cognitive processes underlying strategy development.