For the past several decades, the practice of action research has been a
fairly common mode of investigation in educational research, especially
among those researchers interested in classroom teaching practices (see, for
example, Brown. 1988; Freire 19728; 1972b; Kemmis and McTaggart, 1988).
Today, action research represents a viable, practical strategy for social science
studies requiring systematic, organized, and reflective investigation (Stringer,
1999). In its present use, action research is one of the few research approaches
that embraces principles of participation and reflection. and empowerment
and emancipation of people and groups interested in improving their social.
situation or condition.