Action research in political sciences

Abstract

Action research is a specific type of scientific research which, in addition to having all the general features of scientific research, also has its own unique characteristics that distinguish it from other types of research. In order to understand action research in political science it is necessary to have knowledge of the main aspects of politics, political phenomena and processes. Every political phenomenon is associated with a particular activity, action, because it (the phenomenon) always represents a certain relation between people, their needs, interests and goals. We can, therefore, conclude that all politicological research is, in its essence, action research. The basic classification of action research in political science according to purpose is one of the more relevant classifications and comprises: action research whose purpose is the creation of scientific basis for political action, and action research which is the instrument of political action. Within these two types, by application of diverse criteria, there exist numerous subtypes of action research. The primary difference between action research and other types of scientific research is in the method of research, as part of the outline of the scientific idea, i.e. the project of research.