The steps of the action research process are described below. Note that it is a recursive process that does not always proceed in a linear fashion (Johnson, 2012; Patterson & Shannon, 1993). Thus, some of these steps may need to be repeated several times, or they may have to be done in a different order.

1. Ask a question, identify a problem, or select a research topic.

2. Set the problem or research topic in a theoretical context.

3. Make a plan for data collection

4. Begin to collect and analyze data.

5. If necessary, allow the question or problem to change as data are collected.

6. Analyze and organize the data.

7. Make conclusions and recommendations.

8. Create a plan of action.

9. Report your findings.