The interactive researcher as a virtual participant: A Habermasian interpretation

June 25, 2015

>> Return to Toolkit: How to do Engaged Scholarship Well

In this article, the authors draw on Jurgen Habermas’s theory of communicative action to develop the concept of virtual participant. The authors argue that this virtual participant concept can enhance understanding of the complex role of the action researcher. The article explores issues faced by action researchers in three project phases—initial, implementation, and conclusion. It then explains how the concept of virtual participant can assist the action researcher in understanding their role at each of these phases.

Sandberg, F. & Wallo, A. (2013). The interactive researcher as a virtual participant: A Habermasian interpretation. Action Research, 11(2), 194-212. Full Text.