The following seven descriptors provide insight as to the nature of action research.

1. Action research is systematic

2. You do not start with an answer.

3. Action research projects vary in length.

4. The study must be adequately planned before beginning to collect data

5. Observations should be regular, but they do not necessarily have to be long.

6. Action research is grounded in theory.

7. Action research is not an experimental study.