New forms of knowledge production and the role of action research

Abstract

In efforts to combine theory and practice, action research confronts a challenge that pertains to all kinds of research. It is, consequently, a challenge that is subject to much discussion, not least in fields like epistemology. These discussions provide valuable points and insights but they cannot be converted directly into research positions, which also demand consideration of practical issues. When research sets out to learn from practices a new challenge emerges: how is this learning to take place? Can the single researcher understand the world or is there a need for social relationships between (many) actors to develop this learning? This contribution discusses the theory-practice challenge and the need for new forms of social relationships within the research community itself. © 2003, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved.