Action Research is a user-oriented research methodology that is part of interactive social science research. It promotes change through research (C. Todhunter, Action research: A Case study, 2003). As such, it is frequently used in education to infuse evidence-based research into classroom practices to help identify problems and develop practical solutions (Glossary of Education Reform, 2015). 

Participatory Action Research is a holistic process based on the active role of participants rather than limiting their involvement to just research subjects. Action research seeks to produce knowledge that is useful and empowering through the active involvement of the participants (S. Shortall, Action research: A case study, 2003).