Abstract
This paper examines research and theory in the area Kurt Lewin called action research. Action research is collaborative, driven by a partnership between theorist/researchers and practitioners. It focuses on both theoretical and practical implications of issues. When viewed in the context of other work by Lewin, action research is seen as focusing on the social context of behaviors and on the dynamics of situations in which behaviors occur. Action research provides a versatile, potentially powerful approach for use in applied research on groups and group settings. Principles of action research, a tracing of the development of action research, and variations of action research approaches that have emerged in education are presented. Finally, two ongoing studies that exemplify action research are described.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Argyris, C., Putnam, R., and McLain Smith, D. (1985).Action Science: Concepts, Methods, and Skills for Research and Intervention, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco.
Bargal, D., Gold, M., and Lewin, M. (1992) Introduction: The heritage of Kurt Lewin.J. Soc. Issues 48(2), 3–13.
Chein, I., Cook, S. W., and Harding, J. (1948). The field of action research.Am. Psychol. 3, 43–50.
Cochrane-Smith, M., and Lytle, S. L. (1990). Research on teaching and teacher research: The issues that divide.Educ. Res. 19(2), 2–11.
Coles, A. D. (1995). Experimental program serves up breakfast for all students.Educ. Week XIV(16), 10.
Dewey, J. (1984). The sources of a science of education. In Boydston, J. A. (ed.),The Later Works: Vol. 5, 1929–1930, Southern Illinois University Press, Carbondale, pp. 3–40 (original work published in 1929).
Freeman, C., and Maruyama, G. (1995)A Primer on Block Scheduling, Occasional paper, Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
King, J. A., and Lonnquist, M. P. (1992).A Review of Writing on Action Research (1944-Present), Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Lewin, K. (1943a). Psychology and the process of group living.J. Soc. Psychol. SPSS1 Bull. 17, 113–131.
Lewin, K. (1943b). Forces behind food habits and methods of change.Bull. Natl. Res. Council 108, 35–65. [Also Lewin, K. (1951).Field Theory in Social Science, Harper & Brothers, New York, pp. 170–187.]
Lewin, K. (1946). Action research and minority problems.J. Soc. Issues 2, 34–46. [Also Lewin, K. (1948).Resolving Social Problems, Harper & Brothers, New York, pp. 201–216.]
Lieberman, A. (1992). The meaning of scholarly community and the building of community.Educ. Res. 21(6), 5–12.
Maruyama, G. (1992). Lewin's impact on education: Instilling cooperation and conflict management skills in school children.J. Soc. Issues 48(2), 155–166.
Maruyama, G., and Deno, S. (1992).Research in Educational Settings (Applied Social Research Methods Series, Vol. 29), Sage, Newbury Park, CA.
Schein, E. (1996). Kurt Lewin in the classroom, in the field, and in change theory: Toward a theory of managed learning.Syst. Pract. 9, 27–47.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Maruyama, G. Application and transformation of action research in educational research and practice. Systems Practice 9, 85–101 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02173420
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02173420