Chapter 2: Theoretical Foundations for the Practice of Action Research

Three major paradigms serve as the theoretical foundation for different types of action research. They are positivism, interpretive theory, and critical theory. These three paradigms are all in use today but they offer different and sometimes conflicting answers to basic questions relevant to applied research. Their influence has also varied considerably over the modern history of action research. While positivism was a popular foundation for American action research in the 1950s, it is not as popular in action research today. Currently, interpretive theory and critical theory are more popular with many different models and approaches to action research based on these two paradigms.