Praxis as a Conceptual Framework for Participatory Research in Nursing

Abstract

Nursing scholars have often called upon the concept of praxis to inspire and inform our work. This article derives from praxis a conceptual framework for participatory nursing research. A praxis model can not only guide research, but it can also provide congruent ways to assess the quality of the project and ensure that researchers are accountable to the needs of the groups they study. The intellectual history of the term provides grounding for activist, collaborative, constructive science. Along with Marx and Freire's definitions-in-use, this article presents descriptions of components that are specific to the tasks of participatory research. A review of epistemic considerations makes the argument that it is possible to justify research based on a praxis-oriented framework.