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Action Research: Its History and Relationship to Scientific Methodology

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Abstract

Scientific Methodology (SM) has long suited those who favour analytical and quantitative research in management. Thus the dilemma between the rigour and relevance of contemporary management research methods is fuelled by action researchers who keep wanting to contrast Action Research (AR) with SM. This paper presents a Western philosophical view on the development of belief systems and theory-based methods over time. It thus links the progressive and cumulative development of SM with the contemporary AR methodology. In doing this it presents a different point of view—that the traditions of SM and AR have much closer relationships than people often give them credit for.

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Notes

  1. Abductive reasoning—reasoning in which explanatory hypotheses are formed and evaluated.

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Acknowledgement

We acknowledge and thank Gerald Midgley for his ideas, suggested reference materials and constructive critique which have greatly assisted in the preparation of this paper.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Greyhound Racing Victoria, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    John Stephens

  2. John Barton Associates, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    John Barton

  3. Department of Management, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia

    Tim Haslett

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  1. John Stephens
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  2. John Barton
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  3. Tim Haslett
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Correspondence to John Stephens.

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Stephens, J., Barton, J. & Haslett, T. Action Research: Its History and Relationship to Scientific Methodology. Syst Pract Action Res 22, 463–474 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-009-9147-7

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