The social ecology of action research

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to offer a reflexive commentary on the nature and validity of actionable knowledge from the authors' experience with action research in New Mexico and beyond.Design methodology approach - The authors have situated their localized experience in the history and theory of the broader field of action research by posing the question of whether the validity of action research depends more upon the observer's worldview than upon the quality of change in the lives of those involved in the intervention.Findings - Three fundamental tenets of action research are identified. A pragmatic perspective underlies the need for locality grounded criticality in reflection, instrumental participation leading to trust and genuine understanding of behavior, and a shared desire to actualize untapped human potential to solve a problem.Research limitations implications - The paper offer's reflection on the validity of actionable knowledge from the authors' experience, supported by a brief case example to illustrate the dialogical convergence of theory and practice. Thus, this perspective may not be relevant and useful to all readers.Practical implications - Reflection, regardless of when or how long it takes, is an essential catalyst in the transition of actionable knowledge into change.Originality value - The article attempts to separate a few essential elements of action research from the accumulated bits of technique, personal beliefs, ideology, and collected experiences that practitioners and theorists have attached to the question of validity and utility of knowledge produced by action research.