Action-research, care-converging research and care-research in nursing context: similarities and peculiarities

Abstract

This study aims to reflect upon action-research under a nursing outlook, searching for its similarities and peculiarities with care-research and care-converging research. It entails a brief history of action-research, pointing out its origin and developer, besides clarifying some concepts and possibilities whenever it is chosen as methodological background in research studies from several areas, particularly nursing. Then, the characteristics of care-converging research and care-research whose assumptions partly rely on action-research are put forth, identifying their interfaces. In the end, similarities and peculiarities to care-research methodology are sustained, highlighting the importance to adopt either one whenever the researcher is focused on changes in nursing practice and care.  After all, the importance of understanding different research methodologies is pointed out once it is the first step to search for effective solutions to problems and relentlessness while carrying out an investigation