Values and beliefs in action research

Following a workshop at the CARN (Collaborative Action Research Network) 2022 conference, this research brought together five practitioner-researchers to consider our underpinning values and beliefs relating to action research. The ethical process of action research is driven by values, beliefs and reflexive practice; however, less is known about how engagement with action research might shape these values and beliefs. We co-designed a qualitative study comprising triad interviews whereby each co-researcher rotated into the role of interviewer, interviewee and observer. An iterative thematic analysis involving individual transcript coding and collaborative theme refinement generated six over-arching themes: Intention and action; Resistance and change; Researcher identity; Power and empowerment; Commitment; Equity, democracy and respect. We explored both how we each understand values and beliefs in the context of action research, and how we, as a research team, navigated those values and beliefs in practice. We argue that each of us has a personal responsibility to achieve quality action research; however, ways in which this can be externally supported requires thoughtful consideration.