Action research is either research initiated to solve an immediate problem or a reflective process of progressive problem solving led by individuals working with others in teams or as part of a "community of practice" to improve the way they address issues and solve problems. There are two types of action research: participatory and practical. Denscombe (2010, pp 125) writes that an action research strategy's purpose is to solve a particular problem and to produce guidelines for best practice.
Studies carried out in the course of an activity or occupation, typically in the field of education, to improve the methods and approach of those involved (Oxford Dictionaries, 2017)
