With the Handbook of Action Research hailed as a turning point in how action research is framed and understood by scholars, this new edition has been structured to provide an easy inroad into the field for researchers and students. It includes concise chapter summaries and an informative introduction that draws together the different strands of action research and reveals their diverse applications as well as their interrelations. 'This is an excellent book for helping professionals and students on undergraduate and postgraduate research courses. It is an essential purchase for understanding the inter-relationship between the "thinkers" and "doers" engaged in investigating and understanding the society in which researchers live' - European Journal of Social Work 'A remarkable reframing of action research that engages the spirit as well as the mind, in inquiry that matters, shared among inquirers who matter. "Validity" as we once knew it will never be the same after these improvements. Wonderfully provocative!' - Karl Weick, University of Michigan The Handbook is divided into four parts, and there are important themes of thinking and practice running throughout.The first section reviews the range of paradigms and metatheories, the perspectives, values and epistemologies that inform the different practices of action research. Part Two represents the diverse approaches to action research and the range of methodologies. Part Three shows how different researchers have applied the various different groundings and practices in their own work. Finally the last section addresses some of the competencies that may be required for the initiation and conduct of the research. All students interested in Action Research will make this Handbook their first point of reference when seeking means of engaging with the subject.