Action research, often referred to as participatory research or practitioner research, is a process of collaborative inquiry aimed at improving practices and solving problems in various fields. It involves multiple stakeholders in identifying, analyzing, and reflecting on issues, and developing and implementing strategies to address them. Other synonyms for action research include empirical research, exploratory research, intentional inquiry, and reflective practice. These terms share a common emphasis on the active involvement of practitioners in research processes, as opposed to relying solely on external researchers. Ultimately, action research seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by enabling practitioners to engage in ongoing research and reflection to improve their work.