The Method of Action Research in Social Sciences

Action research or research in action is one of the qualitative research methods. In this approach, the researcher identifies the change, problem, or difficulty, and in order to solve it or to change it, accurately collects the information, proceeds with the appropriate action and evaluates the results of the action. For this reason, research action has been known as a method for the growth of employees at work. In this paper, at first the history of this research method, and then its definition and position among other methods of research in social sciences are investigated. Next, its similarities and differences with other methods, its capabilities and limitations as well as its process, cycle, scope and objectives are discussed.