We can best understand the process of collaborative action research by examining the meaning behind each of the three words used to identify it. Let's begin with the word “action,” because action is what distinguishes collaborative action research from the research that most of us have experienced in the past.

The Meaning of “Action”

Traditionally, scientific research has been conducted by professional full-time researchers. They generally choose their topics based on their personal predilections or the preference of journal editors, and they publish reports of their work with the hope that someone will someday make use of it. But even if no one does, their work is usually complete upon publication of their report.