Action Research and Participatory Research: An Overview

Abstract

"In this article, we outline the main elements concerning the evolution of
\naction research and participatory research that we have come across in the
\nlast decades. These concepts have come closer together along the years,
\nand have become a strong methodological alternative, especially in
\npeople-driven projects. They have gained ground in the scientific world,
\nin the fields of social science, as well as in other more conservative
\ndomains, as demonstrated by some of our experiences in Brazil. Their
\nimportance in the context of teaching, in universities and educational
\nprojects alike, is also stressed. The aspect of participation is defined in
\nmore detail in regards to the different degrees and forms of participation,
\nas well as its religious component in Brazil. Action research and participatory
\nresearch are, finally, methodologies that, in light of their potential for
\nencompassing the stakeholders’ view in the results and developing a sharing
\nculture, must constantly be renewed in order to evolve and always be a
\nrich source of knowledge and critical thinking.." (author's abstract)