After studying Chapter 9, students will be able to do the following:

1. Describe the nature and purpose of action research
2. List various features of action research that define what it is and what it is not
3. Describe important reasons for using action research in educational settings
4. List, in order, the four stages—and the specific steps—of the action research process
5. List and differentiate among the three levels of action plans
6. List and describe techniques that can be used to enhance rigor in action research studies
7. Identify and discuss strengths and limitations of action research
8. Design action research studies for various topics of interest