What is the purpose of action research in school counseling?

• A. To evaluate outcomes
• B. To determine needs
• C. To answer questions and inform and strengthen practice
• D. To audit programs

Answer: (C)

Action research in school counseling centers on asking focused questions about current practices and using data to improve what counselors do for and with students. It follows an iterative cycle of planning an intervention, implementing it, collecting evidence on its effects, and reflecting to refine approaches, so the work directly strengthens counseling services and student outcomes. This practical, collaborative inquiry aims to produce knowledge that informs everyday practice, not just to measure success or inspect compliance. While identifying needs or evaluating programs can occur, action research is driven by questions to improve approaches and make them more effective in the real school setting.