Includes bibliographical references (pages 204-212) and index.

Introducing first person inquiry -- 'Going Going' by Philip Larkin -- Part I -- Living Life as Inquiry: Integrating action research, systemic thinking and attention to issues of power -- Action inquiry and action logics -- Part II -- Dimensions of Inquiry: Notions of inquiry -- Disciplines of inquiry -- Inquiry in action Images of aspiring inquiry practice -- Part III -- Working with Ideas, Theories and Images as Inquiry: Working with academic literatures -- Drawing on the work of Nathalie Sarraute -- Self-reflection and life narrative in the work of Kazuo Ishiguro -- Part IV -- Writing as Inquiry and as Representation: Writing as inquiry -- Writing as representation -- Selectively adopting Freefall Writing precepts -- Part V -- Stories of Inquiry: Inquiry learning groups and working with feedback -- Acting for sustainability -- Seeking to contribute to systemic change, as time slips by -- 'Work Song' by Wendell Berry -- Wondering what to do about an elderly relative -- Part VI -- Ongoing Inquiry: Well, I won't be doing that again -- In reflection.

"In First Person Action Research Judi Marshall invites her reader to join her in the rich world of first person inquiry: a reflexive approach to life and to one's own participation in research and learning. Written as a collage of interrelated chapters, fragments and voices, this is an important meditation on the nature of inquiring action. Judi Marshall's book provides an accessible introduction to self-reflective practice; exploring its principles and practices and illustrating with reflective accounts of inquiry from the author's professional and personal life. The book also considers action for change in relation to issues of ecological sustainability and corporate responsibility. Writing is reviewed as a process of inquiry, and as a way to present action research experiences. Connections are made with the work of the literary authors Nathalie Sarraute and Kazuo Ishiguro to expand the scope of typical academic writing practices. First Person Action Research is an important and practical resource for students, teachers and practitioners of action research alike. It is a thoughtful and sensitive account of an emerging field in Research Methods."--Publisher's website.