WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Research is a process of enquiry or investigation, centring on a clearly defined subject, whose purpose is to contribute to knowledge or enhance understanding. The process employs methods and disciplines appropriate to the area of study. Normally, research is based on the collection and ordering of information and on descriptive and critical analysis. It aims to clarify concepts, theories and realities and to advance proposals. It is stimulated by particular issues and questions, which provoke exploration, clarification and responses.
…AND ACTION-RESEARCH?
Action-research is one form of general research. In this case, the object of research is a specific activity (or activities) happening in a concrete location (or locations). This kind of research is distinguished from other varieties by the fact that the researcher(s) is (are) engaged integrally in the activity being investigated (e.g., training workshops for grass-roots conflict resolution). Conversely, it is not defined by the fact that the area of study is activity nor by the fact that the main method of data collection comes through personal contacts (e.g. interviews, questionnaires, observation or group discussion).