Whether the reader is a novice or is progressing with an action research
project, it would be useful to be aware of how action research has developed
as a method for carrying out research over the past few decades.
The work of Kurt Lewin (1946), who researched extensively on social
issues, is often described as a major landmark in the development of
action research as a methodology. Lewin’s work was followed by that of
Stephen Corey and others in the USA, who applied this methodology
for researching into educational issues. In Britain, according to Hopkins
(2002), the origins of action research can be traced back to the Schools
Council’s Humanities Curriculum Project (1967–72) with its emphasis
on an experimental curriculum and the re-conceptualisation of curriculum
development. The most well known proponent of action
research in the UK has been Lawrence Stenhouse, whose seminal
(1975) work An Introduction to Curriculum Research and Development
added to the appeal of action research for studying the theory and
practice of teaching and the curriculum. In turn, educational action
researchers including Elliott (1991) have influenced action researchers
in healthcare settings.