Note that Best and Kahn categorize purposes differently than shown on page 1. One of the realities of educational research texts is the lack of a standard glossary and classification of research terminology. Read pages 3-4 attached re Objective 1.6. Even though the discussion here focuses on education, be aware that action research is equally relevant to solving problems in a wide variety of business and industry settings. Read pages 4-6 attached re Objective 1.7.
Action research is different from formal research.
Do not, however, conclude that action research is inferior to formal research. The intent here is to recognize that the first research study is undertaken and justified primarily as a learning experience.