ACTION RESEARCH
TRADITIONAL RESEARCH
Improve Practice
Purpose
Generate Theory
Researcher role
Outsider (observer)
Insider (participant)
scope
Local and specific
Broad and generalizable
process
Linear and fixed
Cyclical and ongoing
outcome
Immediate improvement
Knowledge for the field
Focuses on improving practice in a specific context (e.g., classroom, workplace)
Conducted by external researchers or experts, Researcher stays objective
Linear process: Hypothesis → Data → Conclusion
Success is measured by statistical significance and validity
Uses a cyclical process: plan → act → develop → reflect → revise
Aims for generalizable results across different contexts
Focuses on building theories and general knowledge
Produces immediate impact and continuous improvement
Conducted by practitioners within their own environment
Focuses on local, context-specific solutions rather than generalization
outcome
Diana Lumbreras
Created on April 4, 2026
Start designing with a free template
Discover more than 1500 professional designs like these:
View
Sorting Cards
View
Interactive Scoreboard
View
Semicircle Mind Map
View
Visual Thinking Checklist
View
Choice Board Flipcards
View
Team Retrospective
View
Fill in the Blanks
Explore all templates
Transcript
ACTION RESEARCH
TRADITIONAL RESEARCH
Improve Practice
Purpose
Generate Theory
Researcher role
Outsider (observer)
Insider (participant)
scope
Local and specific
Broad and generalizable
process
Linear and fixed
Cyclical and ongoing
outcome
Immediate improvement
Knowledge for the field
Focuses on improving practice in a specific context (e.g., classroom, workplace)
Conducted by external researchers or experts, Researcher stays objective
Linear process: Hypothesis → Data → Conclusion
Success is measured by statistical significance and validity
Uses a cyclical process: plan → act → develop → reflect → revise
Aims for generalizable results across different contexts
Focuses on building theories and general knowledge
Produces immediate impact and continuous improvement
Conducted by practitioners within their own environment
Focuses on local, context-specific solutions rather than generalization